The Hindu : National : Akhtar, Bhatt welcome verdict

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Sunday, May 17, 2009
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Akhtar, Bhatt welcome verdict

Mumbai: As the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is all set to return to power, the country’s film fraternity on Saturday gave its thumbs up to the mandate, calling it a “verdict for stability and progress.”

Hailing the victory of the UPA, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar said, “We are thrilled. We had expected victory for the Congress but the result is beyond our expectations. The people have voted for stability and security.”

Mr. Akhtar hoped that Manmohan Singh will prove to be “an able leader to the country” with the UPA in a comfortable position.

“I hope that he emerges an even better leader now that the party has a strong majority. The government should now fulfil its promises to improve the education system and work to restore law and order,” he said.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who had actively campaigned for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh with his actor nephew Emraan Hashmi, was happy with the party’s performance.

“I think it is a verdict for anti-communalism and for moderation. The public has voted for modernisation, progress and inclusive growth. I believe that the new government will have the resolve and the capacity to take the country forward following the values of secularism entrenched in our constitution,” Mr. Bhatt said. — PTI

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