As we reported on Tuesday, a lot of people had a lot of opinions about the Maharashtra government's order to multiplexes — that they should screen at least one Marathi film during the 'prime-time' slots between 6 pm and 9 pm everyday.
However, in a strange and worrying move, Shobhaa De has somehow been singled out for her reaction to the move. On Wednesday, it was reported by IBNLive that a Shiv Sena MLA has filed a privilege motion against the well-known columnist/author for her tweets, demanding an apology from her.
On Tuesday, like many people on Twitter, De had tweeted the following, criticising the Devendra-Fadnavis-led government's decision.
Devendra 'Diktatwala' Fadnavis is at it again!!!From beef to movies. This is not the Maharashtra we all love! Nako!Nako! Yeh sab roko!
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) April 7, 2015
I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri.
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) April 7, 2015
No more pop corn at multiplexes in Mumbai? Dahi misal and vada pav only. To go better with the Marathi movies at prime time .
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) April 7, 2015
Upon learning of the reaction, De reacted incredulously.
Now a privilege motion demanding an apology from me? Come on! I am a proud Maharashtrian and love Marathi films. Always have. Always will !
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) April 8, 2015
Meanwhile, the BJP-led government has continued to defend its decision, with the party's national spokesperson GVL Rao being quoted as saying, "It is the duty of Maharashtra government to encourage Marathi culture, a valid move to protect and thrive (sic) its language."
While the intention is noble, it does seem that the way in which this diktat is being enforced isn't exactly kosher.
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