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12 Apr, 2015

Mumbai stung by Marathi chauvinism, Hindutva | Gulf News.com

Mumbai/New Delhi: With the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) far right social agenda based on Hindu fundamentalism, also called Hindutva, and its hardline ally Shiv Sena sounding the war cry “Maharashtra for Maharashtrians” Mumbai — the glamour and commercial capital of India — is fast losing its sheen.

Just two days ago, Shiv Sena workers led a large protest outside the house of acclaimed writer Shobhaa De, drawing criticism from many. De had objected to Maharashtra government’s plans to force multiplexes to screen a Marathi film every evening. The move provoked fierce criticism from the film industry and others, who accused the government of trying to impose its will on owners of private cinemas.

Although Shiv Sena said it felt De has “no right anymore to live in the state,” the plan was revised on Thursday by the state government, which now says Marathi films can be screened any time between 12pm and 9pm.

Read the rest: Mumbai stung by Marathi chauvinism, Hindutva | GulfNews.com.