Noted writer Rani Dharker said such a thing should not have happened. ``I am really angry with all that is happening,'' she said, questioning the activists' credentials as guardians of morality.

Recalling the protest against `Fire', she said, ``those in power should curb such elements.''

Prabha Mehta, a poet and freelance writer, said she does not side with troublemakers. ``I approve of fashion shows so long as they are aesthetic and act as platforms for showing traditional patterns with modern changes,'' she said.

Fashion shows are good as long as the body is not shown, she added.

Graphic artist Malati Gaekwad said the ``moral police'' did not have any right to object to any programme, about which the participants, their parents and the police had full knowledge. ``When they did not object to it, why did a group of outsiders?'', she asked.

Sunanda Phadke and Anjali Karolia, who teach clothing and fashion designing in M S University, also criticised the manner of Dal and VHP activists' protest, though they said they themselves were against vulgar shows in the name of art or fashion.

Buela Mark, a known model from Vadodara, said she was against such assualts on women's freedom of expression. ``I do not agree with such reactions to such programmes. Such programmes mean a lot to women of contemporary times. Women too want a chance or two to come out from their old image and portray their capabilities'', she said.

Jagdish Thakker, former president of the stock exchange and a freelance journalist who is also associated with literary and social activities, however, said he blamed both -- organisers and activists -- for the disruption. ``They ought to have sat together beforehand and found an amicable way out'', he said.

An angry company executive, K K Mitra, called up the Indian Express office to say ``where were these hooligans when Advani's daughter was campaigning in jeans and T-shirt. Why did not they protest then.

A Congress councillor said the activists were seeking cheap publicity. Alleging that the activists had the support of the ruling party, the councillor demanded that the cost of damage to the VMC's property should be recovered from the activists.