Shabana Azmi slams Maharashtra CM for ‘buying’ patriotism from Raj Thackeray

NEW DELHI: A day after Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis brokered peace between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and filmmaker Karan Johar over the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, actor Shabana Azmi has slammed his actions in a series of tweets. The veteran actor wrote, “What a sorry state of affairs. CM brokers deal and buys patriotism for 5 crores after Home minister had promised peaceful passage for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.”

MNS had banned the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in the aftermath of Uri attack as it starred Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Yesterday, Thackeray said the ban has been lifted as Producers Guild has agreed not to work with Pakistani actors and filmmakers who have cast Pakistani actors have agreed to donate Rs 5 crore to army welfare fund.

Attacking Thackeray, Azmi wrote, “MNS will decide whether Im patriotic or not?I bow to d Indian Constitution Raj Thackeray does not.Whos patriotism needs questioning? (sic).” She also targeted the CM for bowing down to Thackeray’s demands despite Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assuring a filmmakers’ delegation that Karan Johar’s film will be released without any violence in India.