BJP leader alleges film 'Kedarnath' promoting love jihad, demands ban
What's the story
A senior BJP leader yesterday demanded a ban on 'Kedarnath', an upcoming film set against the backdrop of a catastrophic deluge that hit the Himalayan shrine in 2013, alleging that it hurts the sentiments of Hindus and promotes love jihad.
The leader urged the CBFC chairman to impose a ban on the movie produced by Ronnie Screwwala and Pragya Kapoor.
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Allegation
'Kedarnath' makes fun of Hindu sentiments: Ajendra Ajay
Ajendra Ajay, who is part of the state BJP's media relations team, wrote to Central Board of Film Certification Chairman Prasoon Joshi that despite being set against the backdrop of one of the worst human tragedies, the film directed by Abhishek Kapoor makes fun of Hindu sentiments.
Ajay took exception to a kissing scene between lead pair Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan.
Hurting sentiments?
The BJP leader criticizes kissing scene and tagline of 'Kedarnath'
On a kissing scene featured in the film's teaser and a tagline in its poster reading "Love is a Pilgrimage," the BJP leader alleged that it was an attack on the Hindu religion as Kedarnath represents the faith of crores of Hindus.
Ajay said that the filmmakers of 'Kedarnath' have shown great disrespect to the followers of the Hindu religion.
Warning
'Why no 'Hindu' character as lead?' asks BJP leader
Objecting to the film depicting the love story of a Muslim porter and a Hindu pilgrim, Ajay said couldn't the filmmakers find a Hindu character for the lead.
Accusing the film of promoting love jihad, the BJP leader said acute resentment prevailed among the 'teertha purohits' for projecting Kedarnath in such a flippant manner.
He warned of protest in Uttarakhand on film release.