Theatres Vandalised, Buses Torched, Rajput Women Threaten To Commit Suicide If Padmavat Releases

The entire ‘Padmavati’ controversy has shown the citizens of India that if you are close to a political party, especially the one in power, the law cannot reach you.

Despite the Supreme Court passing a stay order on the ban that Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar governments imposed on the screening of ‘Padmavat’, Shri Rajput Karni Sena, has refused to calm down. On January 18, its members vandalised a cinema hall in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

It is to be noted that no arrests were made even though videos and pictures were available and widespread on the internet.

Keep calm Karni Sena

Now, in a new incident has come to light when a group of youth, affiliated to Karni Sena, vandalised a theatre in Ahmedabad. Once again, the law was broken similarly, there are videos available, but no arrests have been made.

Not just that, after Supreme Court rejected a fresh PIL to cancel the U/A CBFC certificate given to ‘Padmaavat’ on Friday saying, “Maintaining law and order is not our job. That is the job of the state. Prayer rejected,” the fringe Rajput group said that 1,800 Rajput women will commit self-immolation or Jauhar to protect the name of their queen Padmavati.

Therefore, on Sunday, 200 women gathered in Chittorgarh fort threatening to commit Johar (self-immolation) if ‘Padmaavat’ is released on January 25. “Do you see the anger and enthusiasm among Rajput women here? They can take any extreme step,” says Mahendra Kunwar, the woman leading the Johar Smriti Sansthan in Chittorgarh and the one organising these protests, as reported by The Economic Times.

When foreigners visiting the fort were surprised by the fact that women have threatened to commit suicide if the movie is released, they approached the nearby police officer. “I don’t think anyone is committing suicide here… we are letting them protest and march peacefully. Attempt to suicide is a criminal offence,” replied the officer.

Another lady officer present in the scene said there was nothing to worry as all that was done was for media attention as the girls can be seen clicking selfies and videos on Facebook.

BJP leader and organiser of Johar Kshatrani Manch, Sangeeta Chauhan told The Economic Times, “Johar is the last step. It may be required as our men tried their best but could not stop the movie’s release. We are writing a letter to the PM and President asking for Ichha Mrityu (permission to commit suicide).”

After the Supreme Court’s stay on the ban, Surajpal Singh Amu (who issued a bounty on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s head) in an interview to News18 said that he was going to make sure that the movie is not released and also said that “Mein Phaasi Mein Charne Keliye Taiyyar Hoon” (I am ready to die) to stop the screening of the movie.

No vote for BJP

The Ajmer Lok Sabha elections are going to take place four days after the movie is released. Upset over the release of the movie and BJP’s failure to stop it, the Rajputs, nearly two lakh voters in the constituency, have decided to vote against the ruling BJP.

The Logical Indian community is perturbed with the ongoing violence across India by Karni Sena against the release of a movie. Having a difference of opinion is acceptable. If you do not agree with how a director has portrayed certain elements in a movie, best is not to watch it. Cinema is art and an expression of the artist’s personal views; he does need to take into account the sentiments of a few fringe elements.

It is a matter of great concern that outfits like Karni Sena can resort to violence without a care for the law. There have been no arrests for the several instances of vandalism that is not only disrupting daily lives but also instilling fear in our minds. The Rajput body needs to be rid of this impunity, and strict action ought to be taken against its members for resorting to criminal acts.