Novelist and ex Star Dust Editor Shobha De’s tweet against the Maharashtra state government’s decision to make it mandatory for all theatres and Multiplex owners to screen a Marathi movie during prime time has not been taken kindly by politicians.
On Wednesday Shiv Sena MLA, Pratap Sarnaik filed a notice of breach of Privilege against De after she tweeted protesting the Maharashtra government’s decision. The novelist had tweeted,
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23 April 2025
“Devendra ‘Diktatwala’ Fadnavis is at it again!!!From beef to movies. This is not the Maharashtra we all love. Nako…Nako….Roko”
Reacting to the tweet Sarnaik has filed a breach of privilege against De for ‘insulting the Chief Minister and the sentiments of the Marathi speaking people.’
Speaking to reporters after filing the Breach of Privilege, Sarnaik said, ” She has insulted the Chief Minister and the Marathi speaking people and film goers, she should apologise or I would go ahead with the Breach of privilege motion against her.”
The state government has provoked strong criticism from the film industry and others after its order to multiplexes to dedicate at least one screen to Marathi films during the peak business hours of 6 pm to 9 pm every day.
The government said the previous Congress-NCP regime also made it mandatory for cinemas to show Marathi films but the rule was circumvented by owners who screened the regional films at odd hours.
In a tweet reacting to the privilege notice, Ms De said, “Now a privilege motion demanding an apology from me? Come on! I am a proud Maharashtrian and love Marathi films. Always have. Always will!”
