Shree Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi on Saturday dismissed reports that his outfit has withdrawn protests against “Padmaavat” film and said that “fake news” is being circulated by a “fake Karni Sena”.
“There are many fake Karni Senas emerging in India. At present there are eight such entities operating in the country with vested interests,” Kalvi.
The Rajput leader, while saying that there has been “duplicacy” in matters pertaining to Karni Sena’s functioning, stressed that there was “only one (real) Rajput Karni Sena operating in India and I proudly say that I am the founder of that organisation”.
The Shree Rajput Karni Sena has been protesting the Deepika Padukone starrer since its inception, claiming the film distorts history.
“We started the initial protests against the release of the film, which we still continue to do,” he said.
“However, the other duplicate Karni Senas are creating a dubious situation by releasing contradictory and fake news,” Kalvi added.
Speaking on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s loss in the Rajasthan bypolls, the Rajput leader said: “Around 17 organisations have joined hands and declared that they will make sure that BJP loses elections on each and every seat.”
Kalvi also said that his group has made the BJP pay – via its loss in the Rajasthan bypolls – for not respecting the sentiments of the protesting Rajputs.
“We have hit hard on notes as well as votes. Bhansali was expected to get Rs 500 crore return, however, we scuttled his dreams and cut the profit margin to Rs 150 crore. “Similarly, the vote share of the BJP was reduced,” he added.
“I have met 21 Chief Ministers and am looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. I have got the call from PMO asking about my schedule and have given them my schedule.
However, Shree Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena’s Mumbai leader Yogendra Singh Katar had said that on the directions of organisation’s national President Sukhdev Singh Gogamadi, a few members watched the movie in Mumbai on Friday, and found that that the movie glorifies the valour and sacrifice of Rajput and every Rajput will be feeling proud after watching the film.
There is no such objectionable scene between Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji and Queen Padmini of Mewar which hurts the sentiments of Rajputs, he said in a letter, declaring that the Karni Sena takes back their protest and will help the administration to release the film in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat as well as across all cinema houses in India.
The film was initially banned in four states. The Supreme Court had lifted the ban on the movie imposed by several states and directed them to ensure its nationwide release. However, theatre owners in many states didn’t screen the film citing the law and order situation.
The Karni Sena had staged protests alleging that the movie distorts the historical facts and that the Rajput community has been shown in a bad light.
The Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh starrer film Padmaavat is widely being praised. The movie has entered the 100 crore club and is still running strong despite receiving a snub from several states.
(With The Statesman)
