The Republican Party of India (RPI) claimed that TV channel Colors removed controversial cartoonist Aseem Trivedi from reality show Bigg Boss, after the party demanded his eviction.
“It is because of the impact of the RPI that Aseem Trivedi was removed,” a party member stated. He added that 1000 members celebrated outside the Bigg Boss house in Lonavala, where the show is being shot. On Thursday, suspected RPI men had attacked the Colors office in Mumbai demanding that Mr. Trivedi be removed from the show. However, The Hindu could not confirm about Mr. Trivedi’s removal.
Denigrating Constitution
Earlier last month, the party had demanded his eviction, stating that he “had insulted various symbols of India and denigrated the Constitution.” In December last year, Mr. Trivedi was charged with sedition for controversial cartoons allegedly insulting Parliament. While the charges of sedition have been dropped, he is still being tried for dishonouring the national symbols, emblem and Parliament by the Bombay High Court.
Ultimatum
“We have told the show management that Trivedi should be removed from the show by October 28 or else RPI party workers will storm the ‘Bigg Boss’ house and evict him,” Ramdas Athawale, chief of the RPI, had told reporters in Lonavala. Mr. Athawale had also threatened to organise a Lonavala Bandh if the management did not concede to his demands.
The RPI leader also submitted a memorandum to the local municipal council, asking it not to allow the show to be shot in Lonavala from next year.
