Khattar in Fatehabad today, Karni Sena threatens protest

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 7

Karni Sena, an organisation of Rajputs that has been demanding a ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movie “Padmavati”, has threatened to show black flags to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during his two-day visit to Fatehabad beginning tomorrow.

Khattar, who returns from Dubai tonight, is scheduled to reach Fatehabad tomorrow afternoon. He has several things lined up, including launch of development projects worth Rs75.88 crore.

The CM will redress public grievances at the PWD Rest House at 3 pm, followed by a meeting with district-level officers in the mini-secretariat. Later in the evening, he will meet eminent persons of the district.

The next morning, Khattar will hold a meeting with elected representatives, members of vigilance committees and BJP functionaries. He will also address mediapersons.

Bhawani Singh, state president, Karni Sena, today said his organisation would show black flags to Khattar for the “disregard” he showed to Rajputs who went to meet him during his Gurugram visit.

“Members of the Karni Sena wanted to meet Khattar to submit a memorandum, demanding a ban on “Padmavati”. But Khattar ignored them and left the venue from the back door,” he alleged.

“Our protest against Khattar will continue at all places he visits till he apologises and bans the movie in Haryana, as Chief Ministers of other BJP-ruled states have done”.

The Karni Sena will protest in Panchkula on December 9, at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi the next day and in Bhiwani on December 25.

Fatehabad DC Hardeep Singh said arrangements had been made for Khattar’s security. “So far, Karni Sena members have not sought permission form the administration to hold a protest. If they do so, permission will be granted for a protest away from the venues on CM’s itinerary,” he added.