Modi defeats VHP plans: film opens to packed houses

The Modi government’s reaction was in stark contrast to the one two years ago when Aamir Khan’s film

Fanaa was stalled in the state by the VHP and Bajrang Dal over his Narmada dam remarks. Later,Parzania,a film based on the 2002 Gujarat riots,was not allowed to be screened.

Denying that there was any “change” in the stance of the government,Minister of State for Home Amit Shah said: “In earlier cases,the multiplex owners themselves decided not to screen the movies. This time they wanted to,and we are assuring them full protection. It is the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order. If need be,we will give them additional security.”

Modi and the VHP have not been on the best of terms in recent times.

With their protest fizzling out,Bajrang Dal Ahmedabad city secretary Ashwin Patel claimed they were only “requesting peacefully for a boycott”.

“Our protests continue,those who believe in Hindutva will not watch the movie… The government can do what it wants,” he said.

VHP South Gujarat joint secretary Utkarsh Patel said: “We had humbly requested theatre owners and people not to screen the film. We thought we achieved our aim because many kept away.”

DGP S S Khandwawala said orders had gone out across the state to take all possible measures to ensure security.

Navsari VHP spokesperson Ashok Gajera denied that their decision to stand guard at theatres to allow the screening showed their differences with others in the Parishad.

“We have friendly relations with theatre owners in Navsari. It is our duty to protect them from anti-social elements. So we decided to guard them,” he said.