Aligarh, April 14 (IANS) Noted film-maker Mahesh Bhatt Monday batted for the Congress saying it alone could ensure unity of the country and protect values of secularism.
In a telephonic interview to IANS, he stressed on secularism as a key ingredient to keep the country united and strong. "Only the Congress can ensure unity of the country and protect values of secularism...."
When asked why it was necessary for a film-maker like him to join politics, he said: "We live in a democracy and should participate in it. Gone are the days when artistes could afford to be fence-sitters. Time for taking a stand has come ... You cannot be apolitical now."
"My father was a Congressman from Porbandar. During the Quit India movement, he faced lathis and got hurt. My mother, a Muslim, was a staunch supporter of (Mahatma) Gandhi. I am, therefore, predisposed towards secularism and Gandhism."
He was leading the "Karwan-e-Bedari" of the Millat Bedari Muhim Committee, an intellectual and social body of teachers and intellectuals of the Aligarh Muslim University, to mobilise support for the Congress.
"Even today, the Congress realises a new generation of Muslims are eager to join the national mainstream. Development of infrastructure, education, employment, sanitation and gender sensitisation are important issues for Muslims, which the Congress-led UPA tried doing."
Bhatt, who won accolades for directing "Arth", "Saaransh", "Janam" and "Aashiqui", among others, said the Congress did not keep some promises which antagonised a section of Muslims but if one looks at a larger picture one finds that there was an honest attempt to implement the Sachar committee report.
He said the BJP released its manifesto that includes all the controversial issues like Ram Temple, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code. "In fact, the core ideology of Sangh Parivar and BJP - Hindutva - was beautifully enveloped in development and that has been exposed now. This Hindutva will be implemented if BJP comes to power," he added.
Children suddenly started banging their heads, school administration panicked: Such people can change their voice, not ghosts, this is mass hysteria
In a school in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, 8 children start crying, screaming, rolling on the ground, and banging their heads together without any reason. They have 6 girls and 2 boys. This video is
Delhi HC Notice to Novartis on Cipla plea
New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) The Delhi High court Wednesday issued notice to Switzerland-based Novartis AG on a plea by pharmaceutical firm Cipla, challenging a single judge bench's order that
Petrol Diesel Price: Oil companies have released the prices of petrol and diesel, know how much are the prices in your city
Oil companies have released the prices of petrol and diesel for today. Today companies have not made any change in oil prices. Recently, the government announced to reduce the prices of petrol and
SP takes potshots at BJP after Legislative Council poll loss
Lucknow, Jan 24 (IANS) The ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh Saturday took potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its second candidate for the Legislative Council poll held
Hope for relief on petrol and diesel: The government made this big plan, prices may remain stable for a few days
The rising prices of petrol and diesel every day have put more burden on the people of the country facing inflation. The situation is such that their prices have been increased 14 times in 17 days.
Humbled, Motivated: Prasoon Joshi on Winning Padma Shri
New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Writer-lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi feels humbled and motivated on being conferred with the Padma Shri."When years of hard work gets recognised especially by the
Rajasthan By-Election Result: Stature, position, and prestige, the results of the Rajasthan by-election will balance these political equations
The results of the assembly elections on seven seats in Rajasthan will be out on November 23. These results will not affect the majority in the assembly. Still, politics is interested in these
Bhagwant Mann cabinet meeting in a while, may decide on giving 300 units of free electricity to the people of Punjab
Bhagwant Mann Cabinet Meeting: The meeting of the Bhagwant Mann cabinet of Punjab will start shortly. There can be many important decisions in this. The cabinet can decide to provide 300 units of
Rahul attacks TDP, TRS
Warrangal (Andhra Pradesh), April 25 (IANS) Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Friday accused the TRS for not being serious about the formation of Telangana, while also wooing the farmers by
NIRF Ranking: Loss of three points in the overall ranking, PU reaches 44th position Nirf Ranking: Loss of three points in the overall ranking, PU reaches 44th position
The Ministry of Education released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023 report on Monday. Panjab University has come to 44th position with a loss of three points in the overall
