Shiv Sena on Thursday criticised NCP chief Sharad Pawar for defending actor Aamir Khan over his controversial remarks on rising intolerance in the country. The ruling alliance in the BJP-led government opined that the NCP chief has lost connection with the sentiments of the people.
“According to Mr Pawar if intolerance means betraying the country whose food you eat then you should call Aamir Khan to Baramati and honour him with ‘Nishan-e-Baramati’ award,” Shiv Sena said in an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana. Baramati is the hometown of Mr Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule is the Member of Parliament from Baramati Lok Sabha constituency.
“What Pawar is saying defending Aamir Khan does not befit the character of Maharashtra. By that yardstick seeking extradition of most wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and raising voice against Pakistan will also be construed as intolerant,” the editorial said.
“It is not surprising that chief of the party which feels terrorist Ishrat Jahan was a saint should support Aamir,” it sad, taking potshots at the senior Maratha leader. “It is necessary to tell Mr Pawar to make comments befitting his age and experience,” the party remarked.
Lambasting the critics of Aamir Khan for his controversial remarks, Mr Pawar on Wednesday had said the tone and tenor of the reactions to the Bollywood superstar’s statement on growing intolerance in the country actually lent substance to the debate on the issue.
