Irani corners Shashi Tharoor over his ‘Maharajas’ remark

Union Minister Smriti Irani, on Friday took a jibe at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his comments on kings amidst row over 'Padmavati'.

She targeted Tharoor for his comment on the ongoing protest by descendents of Rajput rulers over Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie ‘Padmavati’.

Tharoor had reportedly said the so-called ‘maharajas’, who have been after a filmmaker by claiming that their honour is at stake, actually ran away when the British crushed their self-respect and honour.

Commenting on Tharoor’s observation, Irani tweeted: “Did all the Maharajs (kings) kneel in front of the British? What will Jyotiraditya Scindia, Diggi Raja (Digvijaya Singh) and Amarinder Singh say on Shashi Tharoor’s comments?”

Congress leaders, Scindia, Digvijay Singh and Amarinder Singh hail from royal families. When the issue snowballed, Tharoor took to Twitter to clarify his comments.

“I am dismayed that some BJP supporters are claiming I attacked Rajput honour…I spoke about the Maharajahs who made their accommodations w/the (with the) British. I have never made a communal comment in my life.”

He further added that Rajput valour is not questionable.

“As for specific concerns of the Rajput community, people's sentiments must be respected in the interests of India's diversity & harmony. Rajput valour is part of our history & is not in question. BJP &its censors should take these concerns into account,” Tharoor tweeted.