Raj Thackeray bans Bachchans, cops ban him

In a fresh round of attack on Amitabh Bachchan's family, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has announced a “ban” on films in Maharashtra which features the superstar and his family members.

The apparent affront was Jaya Bachchan's remark which the MNS perceives to be insulting to Maharashtrians.

“We are from Uttar Pradesh and we will speak in Hindi—Maharashtrians will forgive us,” Jaya, also a Rajya Sabha MP, said at an event in Mumbai to launch her son Abhishek’s movie Drona two days ago.

“All Bachchan family movies and advertisements in Mumbai and Maharashtra are banned from today (Monday),” said Thackeray at a press conference.

“This is an affront to the Marathi Manoos (Marathi-speaking people). All parties should unite and condemn what she said,” said Thackeray.

“Jaya Bachchan has to apologise or else no film of any member of the Bachchan family will be allowed to release in Mumbai and Maharshtra.”

The party’s diktat applies to films starring Bachchan, Jaya, son Abhishek and his daughter-in-law wife Aishwarya.

“Jaya Bachchan’s comment is a direct affront to Maharshtra. Unless she apologises, no film by the Bachchan family will be allowed. If you are from Uttar Pradesh, go and release your movies there.”

Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, a friend of the Bachchan family, criticised Thackeray’s statement and said the country had a legal system and “jungle raj” would not be permitted.

Immediately after Thackeray’s statement, police banned from him making public appearances, giving speeches or press conferences.

MNS workers tore up Bachchan’s posters and hoardings in Dadar, Mumbai.

On Sunday, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut had said: "People of Maharashtra will not tolerate such language. The Bachchans have been living here for so many years and saying that they do not know the local language is an insult to Marathi people."

The Congress condemned the MNS for 'politicising' the issue.

"Leaders whose children study in elite English schools like Bombay Scottish have no business targeting others," said Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam.

Thackeray in February 2008 had accused Bachchan of not doing enough for Maharashtra and favouring his home state of Uttar Pradesh.

The party has targeted North Indians in Maharashtra, accusing them of disrespecting the state’s culture and putting a strain on its resources.