Right-wing regional political party of Maharashtra, Shiv Sena, on Saturday threatened the organisers of a book launch involving a former Pakistani minister of dire consequences.
In a chilling letter addressed to Observer Research Foundation, which is scheduled to organise an event with Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri as a guest, Shiv Sena asked the organisers to not invite the former Pakistani foreign minister.
The two page letter written in Marathi has as many as 16 signatories.
It argues that a programme with a Pakistani guest can’t be allowed to go ahead by Shiv Sena as, according to it, India’s neighbour was responsible for bomb blasts and firing at the border.
In its letter the party also warned the organiser of ‘Shiv Sena style’ consequences if the organisers didn’t pay heed to their ‘polite request.’
Last week Shiv Sena’s similar threats had led to noted ghazal singer Ghulam Ali’s concern getting cancelled in Mumbai and Thane.
The concert in Mumbai was scheduled to be held at the iconic Shanmukhananda Hall, a favourite venue for Shiv Sena functions since several decades. The tribute to Jagjit Singh was specially brought to India through “Ek Ehsaas” concerts, which provides a platform to connect people through music.
Shiv Sena’s threats had caused huge outrage among the right minded people. However, the symoathisers of RSS both in Indian media and outside had vociferously defended the decision to cancel Ali’s concert.
Later, chief ministers from Delhi and West Bengal had extended their invitations to the legendary singer to come and perform in their respective states.
Speaking exclusively to www.jantakareporter.com, the ghazal maestro had announced he was accepting the invitations of both Delhi and West Bengal governments.
Now Ali’s concert is likely to take place in Delhi in December when he will also perform in Kolkata. But before that, Ali will visit the capital once more in November to perform at an event organised by an Indian newspaper.
Shiv Sena is a ruling alliance partner of the BJP in Maharashtra.