Karni Sena backs Brahmin Mahasabha’s protest against Kangana’s ‘Manikarnika’

The Shree Rajput Karni Sena, which has strongly protested against the release of periodic drama “Padmaavat”, has decided to back the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha’s protest against the “historical tampering” of Queen Laxmi Bai, also called Jhansi Ki Rani, in the film “Manikarnika” starring Kangana Ranaut. The film is based on the life of ‘Jhansi ki Rani’ and allegedly shows the relationship of the queen with a British officer.

Shree Rajput Karni Sena founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi, asked if his outfit is lending support to the Brahmin Mahasabha in its fight against the film, said, “Agar Brahmin ka khoon bahega to Rajput kya chup rahega, jab Rajput ka khoon baha to Brahmin kabhi chup nahi haha (Rajputs will never keep quiet if Brahmins are affected, and vice versa).” He claimed that 10,000 letters were signed with blood by Brahmins to protest the release of “Padmaavat”.

On the issue of quashing of FIR against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, producer of “Padmaavat”, and against Ran- veer Singh and Deepika Padukone, he said it had to happen as the apex court has already declared that the film should be released and linked it to the matter of freedom of expression.

“The High Court will definitely follow the Supreme Court. There is nothing new in it,” he added, reports IANS.

Asked if there is any chance of the film being released in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat, Kalvi said the “Supreme Court cannot dictate to cinema halls to release the film and depute paramilitary forces outside cinema halls”. The four states had earlier decided against releasing the film, and three of them had approached the apex court.