PK ‘download’ puts Akhilesh in trouble

Controversy unwarranted, says CM’s office

PK has faced criticism from right-wing organisations which said the Rajkumar Hirani-directed film disrespects Hindu religion, an allegation rejected by its makers. File photo Aamir Khan, lead actor of the movie.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s statement that he had watched Aamir Khan-starrer PK after downloading it from the Internet has led to yet another controversy over the movie with a social activist filing a police complaint accusing him of violating anti-piracy laws.

However, the Chief Minister’s Office called the row “unwarranted” and said Mr. Yadav had taken a licence to download movies.

On Wednesday, while announcing that

PK

>would be made tax-free in the State, the Chief Minister told journalists: “People had been telling me for many days to watch

PK . I downloaded it a few days ago, but only found time to watch it last night. I liked it.”

This slip of tongue has now led to the founder of NGO, TAHRIR (Transparency, Accountability and Human Rights Initiative for Revolution), Sanjay Sharma, filing a complaint with the Hazratganj police asking it to lodge an FIR against Mr. Yadav for watching a pirated film.

Social groups and prominent figures active on social media have also criticised the Chief Minister for allegedly promoting piracy. Mr. Yadav has so far remained mum on the issue. But the Chief Minister Office’s Twitter handle clarified that “UP CM Akhilesh Yadav has licensed UFO Movies digifacility to download and watch movies. Controversy around pirated download is unwarranted.”

>#UPCM>#Akhileshyadav has licensed >@UFOMoviez digifacility to download & watch movies. Controversy around pirated download is unwarranted-CMO

— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) >January 2, 2015