Maharashtra BJP minister backs MNS' protest against Pak artistes

Amid the controversy over Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's tirade against Pakistani artistes, the party received an unexpected support from the BJP. Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has justified the diatribe by the MNS against Pakistani artistes in the wake of the Uri terror attack. On Tuesday afternoon, MNS workers had staged a protest against director Karan Johar for casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in his upcoming film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'.

MOOD OF NATION AGAINST PAKISTAN

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Mungantiwar said,"In the wake of the Uri attacks, every Indian is seething with anger. The mood of the nation is against Pakistan. Every party has a right to protest in democracy. In such a scenario, it is not wrong to protest against Pakistan or anyone supporting Pakistan."

Also read: Fawad Khan HASN'T left India because of MNS, he left long ago

The statement by Mungantiwar has raised many eyebrows as general opinion over MNS' agitation against Pakistani artists is divided. "We welcome Sudhir Mungantiwar's statement. But the party should not stop at just that. They are in power both at the Centre and in the state. They should now issue orders asking Pakistani artistes to quit India and further strengthen our stand", said Amey Khopkar, president of the MNS's film wing, Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Kamgar Sena.

MNS ISSUES ULTIMATUM

Around 100 party workers of the MNS staged protests at Karan Johar's office. The MNS had earlier given a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani artists and actors to leave India or "be pushed out".

Also read: Karan Johar: Banning talent and artistes not a solution