Asking ally BJP to take a cue from Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh for his views on T-20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan, the Shiv Sena said the ruling party in Maharashtra should also stop rolling out a red carpet welcome for Pakistani artists.
The Sena, in a warning tone, also said it would be good if those in power here do not talk about holding the T-20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan in Maharashtra.
“We welcome Virbhadra Singh for being against holding the T-20 World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan in his state. Wounds of Pathankot and the spilled blood of our soldiers are still fresh. What can the people of country expect from politicians and bookies who cannot stop the cricket match and artists from performing in the country,” the Sena said in an editorial in its party mouthpiece Saamana.
Earlier, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh had voiced his concern over the proposed match in Dharamsala saying that the state government cannot ensure the security of players and that welcoming Pakistani players in a place where families of martyred soldiers reside would be an insult to the soldiers.
“If those in power in Maharashtra also take cue from this, it will be a tribute to the martyred soldiers of Maharashtra. Inviting Pakistani politicians and artists should be stopped at least now. It would be good if people do not come forward to say the T-20 World Cup could be held here with fool-proof security,” it said. The Sena said before rolling out a red carpet welcome for Pakistanis, everybody should answer what does a Pakistani mean for them.
