The Shiv Sena on Wednesday moved a breach of privilege motion in the Maharashtra Assembly against author Shobhaa De for allegedly insulting the Legislative Assembly, Marathi language and people.
Ms. De on Twitter had criticised the decision of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance government’s decision to make it compulsory to screen Marathi films in multiplexes at prime time.
Claiming that the author had shown hatred against Marathi, Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik moved the motion and demanded an apology from her.
“She criticised the government for this decision and even ridiculed our Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,” he said.
Mr. Sarnaik added that the author tweeted insults about Marathi food as well.
“No more pop corn at multiplexes in Mumbai? Dahi misal and vada pav only. To go better with the Marathi movies at prime time,” she had tweeted.
Following Mr. Sarnaik’s speech, Speaker Haribhau Bagde asked him to submit the notice first.
I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri.
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) >April 7, 2015I love Marathi films: De
Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday demanded an apology from author Shobhaa De. “We demand an apology from Ms. De. Failing to tender an apology would mean that I will take the matter to the privilege committee,” Mr. Sarnaik said in the Assembly.
Ms. De again took the Twitter route to answer the allegations against her. “Now a privilege motion demanding an apology from me? Come on! I am a proud Maharashtrian and love Marathi films. Always have. Always will!” she tweeted on Wednesday.
State BJP chief Ashish Shelar tweeted: “Lack of 'shobha' clearly in @DeShobhaa tweets!
Publicity gimmick + lack of reasoning + unbecoming of a public figure!”
No more pop corn at multiplexes in Mumbai? Dahi misal and vada pav only. To go better with the Marathi movies at prime time .
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) >April 7, 2015Congress slams CM
Meanwhile, in the State Council, the Congress moved a breach of privilege against Mr. Fadnavis, after the government issued a notification of the Land Acquisition Act. “It is wrong to issue the notification without the Land Acquisition Act being implemented by the Centre. Also the government did not inform the House about the notification when the Budget session of Legislature is on,” said Manikrao Thakre, Congress MLC.
MLC Prakash Binsale, who was in the Chair, said that the matter would be discussed with Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar, who will then accept or reject the motion moved by Mr. Thakre.
Now a privilege motion demanding an apology from me? Come on! I am a proud Maharashtrian and love Marathi films. Always have. Always will !
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) >April 8, 2015
