Javed Akhtar
Shiv Sena disagrees with Javed Akhtar's comparison between RSS and Taliban
Mumbai/IBNS: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s former ally Shiv Sena has opposed poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar's drawing a parallel between Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and insurgent group Taliban which has recently invaded Afghanistan.
In an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, the Sena said, "We won't accept madness in the name of Hindutva. How can you say those who favour the concept of a 'Hindu rashtra' are of Taliban mindset? We don't agree with this."
"Nations like Pakistan, China have supported Taliban rule as human rights, democracy and personal freedom are of no value there. The mindset of Hindustan does not look like that. We are tremendously tolerant in every way," the ruling party of Maharashtra stated.
In an interview with NDTV last week, Akhtar had said, "Just like the Taliban want an Islamic State, there are those who want a Hindu Rashtra. These people are of the same mindset -- be it Muslim, Christian, Jews or Hindus."
"Of course, the Taliban is barbaric, and their actions are reprehensible, but those supporting the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal are all the same," he had said.
RSS, the parent organisation of the country's ruling party, has long held that the vast country of 1.3 billion people is a Hindu "Rashtra".
Reacting to Akhtar's comment, BJP spokesperson Ram Kadam had said Akhtar's movies won't be allowed to be screened unless he apologises to the functionaries of RSS.
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