ADHM: Uddhav hits out at Fadnavis-Raj ‘extortionist deal’

MUMBAI: A day after Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis brokered peace between Raj Thackeray and Karan Johar for the smooth release of the latter’s film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM), the ruling BJP’s ally Shiv Sena, celebrities and activists panned the two for making an “extortionist deal”. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who is camping in Panaji ahead of the assembly polls next year, slammed the deal as “extortion”, while Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that the BJP “will ruin the country”.

Criticising Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav said, “The Indian Army has its self respect. So, it does not need any money eked out of extortion. If you want to help, then do it from the heart. Whatever you want to do, do it straight from your heart. “

“We don’t have complete information on the talks at Varsha. But I have got one piece of information. The three of them together are now going to make a new movie, ‘Yeh to hona hi tha’ (This was set to happen).”

Uddhav’s remarks come at a time of growing differences between allies Shiv Sena and BJP, and a question over the alliance’s future in the run-up to the 2017 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

Actor and activist Shabana Azmi tweeted, “What a sorry state of affairs. The chief minister brokers a deal and buys patriotism for `5 crore after the union home minister had promised a peaceful passage for ADHM. The chief minister shows scant respect for the home minister’s assurance of safe passage for ADHM. BJP better haul him up and demand explanation.” HTC