The AAP today slammed Shiv Sena after noted Pakistani ghazal maestro cancelled his music concert in Mumbai due to its opposition and said the withdrawal of the singer is an “unforgivable blot” on the city’s Metropolitan nature.
Party leader Ashutosh said the AAP government is trying to get in touch with Ghulam Ali so he could perform in the national capital.
Ali’s concert in Mumbai was cancelled yesterday after Shiv Sena threatened to disrupt it, warning that no artiste from that country will be allowed to perform in the city till terror emanating from across the border is stopped.
Taking a pot shot, the AAP said the Shiv Sena only has the courage only to dare soft targets like singers and artists and if it really had such serious issues with pro Pakistan elements, it should have raised its voice against the BJP-PDP alliance in Jammu & Kashmir.
“What is even more ironic in that on September 20, Aditya Thackeray (Shivsena’s youth wing leader) spoke at an event at Taj Lands End (hotel) in Mumbai where Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performed. And today, less than 20 days later he gives statements that there can be no cultural ties with Pakistan.
“Is it okay for Pakistani artists to perform at private/corporate functions attended by the Thackeray family but not at shows where the common man can attend? This blatant hypocrisy goes on to show that these bans & threats are only ploys used by Shiv Sena to divide people and appease their vote banks,” the party said in its statement.
The party claimed that the fringe elements are flourishing with the BJP government at the Centre and the states.
AAP also questioned on who is actually running the state -Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis or Uddhav Thackeray?
“The AAP believes that this act of Shiv Sena has shown that the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is incapable of leading a state. Why did the organisers of the show visit Uddhav Thackeray? Who is the Chief Minister of this state – Fadnavis or Thackeray?
“If the Chief Minister of Maharashtra does not have the courage and the wherewithal to ensure a peaceful concert, how will he ensure safety for the citizens? How will he promise safety for international businesses which he is allegedly wooing?” AAP said.