Now, Karni Sena wants Chittorgarh plaque out

The controversy over the film ‘Padmavati’ refused to die downwithvariousgroupsacross the state staging protests in their own way.

The Karni Sena asked the authoritiesonMondaytoremove a stone (plaque) at Padmini Palace in Chittorgarh Fort, calling its contents “objectionable.”

Karni Sena district president Govind Singh Khangarot and other members submitted a memorandum to the state archaeologydepartmentofficials in Chittorgarh, urging them to remove the plaque.

Theplaquestates,“Thispalace is of immense historical importance in the history of Mewar associated withRaniPadmini. It is said that here Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of legendary beauty of his wife PadminitoAla-ud-DinKhiljithrough a mirror. After which, Ala-udDin Khilji went to the extent of ravagingChittaurinordertopos- sess her.” The memorandum said, “We are giving a chance to the authorities to remove the plaque, failing which we will be forced to take action.” TheKarni Sena also warned the archaeology department against broadcasting “distorted history” at the ‘lightandsoundshow’conducted every day on the fort premises.

Meanwhile,BJPleaderSubramanium Swamy, addressing an event in Jaipur, alleged that the film Padmavati “is a conspiracy to show Hindus in a poor light.”

Inanotherdevelopment,acase has been filed against Sanjay LeelaBhansaliandDeepikaPadukone for distortion of history. The court will hear the case on November 22.

Sarv Samaj Sanghthan memberscontinuedtostageprotestat theroadleadingtoentranceofthe fort, a UNESCO world heritage site that houses Padmini’s Palace,demandingabanonthefilm.

Sangathan member Ummed Singhsaid,“TheprotestdemandingabanonPadmavatiiscontinuing for the last nine days, and a relayhungerstrikehasalsobeen launched.”

At Semari village in Udaipur, thevillagersobservedabandhon Monday to protest against the film. Hundreds of people from Sarv Dharm took out a rally.

The protesters raised slogans against Bhansali and burnt his effigy. Later, they handed over a memorandum to the tehsildar addressed to the President of India, demanding complete ban on Padmavati’s release.

JAIPUR:

AKHTARTHREATNED Reacting to lyricist and screenwriterJavedAkhtar’sstatement to a TV channel on Sunday that Rajputs neverfoughtagainst the British but were now on the streets to protest the film Padmavati, Karni Sena’s Jaipur district president Narayan Singh Divrala said Akhtar should visit Rajasthan to witness the “braveryofRajputs.”WritingonKarni Sena’s Facebook page, he obliquely threatened Akhtar, sayingthetreatmentwillbesame as that meted out to Bhansali.