Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has slammed Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar alleging that his two films, Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Padman were sponsored by the central government. He said that both the films starring Akshay Kumar were a covert propaganda for government schemes.
Thackeray said that Akshay was trying to walk in the footsteps of yesteryear actor Manoj Kumar, popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar.’ However, the MNS chief reminded that the actor, who preached nationalism to Indians, himself was a Canadian citizen.
“But Akshay Kumar is not even an Indian citizen. He holds a Canadian passport and his Wikipedia profile describes him as Indian-born Canadian actor,” Thackeray said.
Thackeray then went on to question the state funeral accorded to Sridevi, who died in Dubai last month.
“Why was she given the state funeral, wrapped with the national flag, what was her contribution, if this would have been done by any non BJP CM, then the media would have tore in to him. Now, however, they are not doing anything as they are scared of the government.”
Thackeray said that the reason why the Indian media went overboard in covering the death of Sridevi was at government’s behest to divert people’s attention from the Nirav Modi-Punjab National Bank scam. He said that the government was trying to control media, judiciary and institutions like CBI.
Taking a dig at Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, the MNS chief said that ‘there are so many problems in the state, but apparently the CM is busy singing songs.’ He was referring to Fadnavis featuring in a video song about river conservation.