Oppn questions state govt stand on outside food in multiplexes

Leader of Opposition in legislative council, Dhananjay Munde, has criticised the state government for changing its stand for allowing outside food in multiplexes. Munde alleged that there have been some dealings between government and multiplex owners as the state has suddenly done a U-turn from its previous stand. The state in the last hearing admitted to the Bombay High Court that there are security issues in allowing people to take outside food to the cinema halls.

Contrary to its present stand, the state government had earlier assured both the houses in the Nagpur Assembly session that they would allow people to carry outside food to the multiplexes.

Munde has written a letter to the Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, drawing his attention towards change of stand. "I have asked the CM to withdraw his false affidavit which has been presented to the Bombay HC,' said Munde.

Munde pointed out there is no such provision in Maharashtra Theatres (Regulatory) Act 1966 whereby people are prevented from carrying outside food in any theatre. He added, "In fact, the Act states theatres and multi- plexes are not allowed to sell food on their premises. The government has diluted some provisions in July and announced, the senior citizens, those suffering from diabetes, children and women will be allowed to carry outside food in multiplexes. The government has also reduced prices of foods sold at multiplexes."

The issue was raised in the monsoon session after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers vandalised multiplexes in Pune as they were not allowed old age persons, children and women to carry outside food in multiplexes.