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Manohar Joshi lauds action against Ghulam Ali, Husain

Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi today endorsed the stand taken by Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray not to allow performances by Pakistani artistes and sportspersons in Maharashtra.

Joshi told newsmen that on the one hand, Pakistan was interested in improving bilateral ties, and on the other they were spreading terrorism in India. The Sena's stand in banning them was correct and they should not be welcomed, he said.

On being asked whether the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance government in the state has taken a formal decision on this issue, the chief minister said it was a matter of international relations, and only the central government can take a decision in this regard.

Last fortnight, Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali's concert in Bombay was disrupted by Sena activists, and recently Bajrang Dal activists barged into renowned painter M F Husain's home to protest against one of his paintings.

When it was pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde has assured security to artistes in future, Joshi said, "There are no differences between me and Munde on this issue, and the government has not taken any decision."

When told that Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani have criticised the incidents, the chief minister declined to comment. He, however, said the matter was discussed during the prime minister's visit to the state last week.

On why security was not provided at Ghulam Ali's function, the CM said the organisers did not ask for it. Asked why the government has not taken any action against the protestors, he said no complaint has so far been lodged by the organisers.

Talking to reporters later, Joshi reacted sharply to Husain's paintings. He said Sita and Hanuman were Hindu gods and goddesses. "You cannot paint them in the nude as it hurts our sentiments," he said.

Referring to a query on freedom of expression, the chief minister said it does have limitations and it should not hurt anyone's sentiments. Asked whether the state government will register a case against Husain, he said, "If required that would be done."

UNI

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