Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole threatened to stop the shooting of films of Bollywood actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar in the state, slamming the actors for not speaking against the Centre even when the price of petrol has touched Rs 100 in the country.
The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president said that these actors used to tweet against the previous UPA regime when fuel prices used to be hiked but are silent now.
“Now the price is nearly Rs 100 per litre. Why are they quiet? Don’t they have the courage to speak against the dictatorial Modi government?” asked Patole, who had had a brief stint with the BJP before returning to the Congress’ fold.
“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, people are facing a lot of hardship. Since international crude prices have come down, petrol should have cost Rs 35 per litre and diesel Rs 25 per litre,” he said.
Besides high petrol and diesel prices, the price of LPG cylinders too has gone up to Rs 800, Patole noted.
“The UPA government functioned democratically, hence they could criticise it,” he further said. Fuel prices should be reduced to give relief to the common people, he added.
Attacking the Bollywood stars, Patole questioned, “Are you under the Modi government’s pressure?
Those who don’t speak up for people who buy tickets to watch them, their movies won’t be watched in Maharashtra nor will shooting take place,” adding, “This isn’t a threat. It’s about democracy and you’re public idols and hold accountability.’’
Reacting to the Congress’ threat, Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam assured full support to the two Bollywood actors. Kadam said that the nation is standing with Amitabh and Akshay who have tweeted in favour of the country.
“Congress leaders are threatening the actors, saying they will not allow their films to be shot or released in Maharashtra. What crime has Amitabh Bachchan committed? He has only tweeted in favour of the country,” Kadam said.
Patole also criticised the BJP-led central government on the FASTag system for vehicles. The Centre had made FASTags mandatory from February 15 to midnight and said any vehicle not fitted with it will be charged double the toll at electronic toll plazas across the country.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways clarified that this has been done to further promote fee payment through digital mode, reduce waiting time and fuel consumption, and provide for a seamless passage through the fee plazas.