This comes on the heels of the cancellation of Pakistani ghazal artist Ghulam Ali’s concert in Mumbai, after protests and threats from the Shiv Sena, a party closely associated with the ruling BJP.
Advertisement
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra met the singer on Friday and reiterated AAP’s invitation.
In a stinging editorial in its mouthpiece “Saamana”, Sena said “those who are keen to watch his performance should be taken to the homes of (Indian) soldiers killed at the borders to know their anguish”. But the show in Mumbai was called off on October 7, after the threats from Shiv Sena.
Stating that Pakistan has been indulging in a proxy war with India, Gadkari said there is anguish among people, “but opposition should be of the Pakistan government and not of the art”. But Shiv Sena itself has come under fire from fellow Hindu nationalists and other parties for bringing down the tour. They have invited him to perform in Kolkata and Delhi. I am not angry, I am very hurt. “They are doing vote bank politics through Ghulam Ali”, Raut said.
To ensure that maximum number of people get to enjoy his music, Radio Mirchi will simulcast the concert to a majority of its radio stations all over India. “Ghulam Ali was 2 perform in commemoration of Indias beloved Jasjit Singh in gesture of goodwill”. According to Indian media reports after ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, Shiv Sena on Saturday asked the management of a Mumbai-based convention centre to call off Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s book launch function. “Ok to talk tough with Pakistani government not its artists”, she added.
Advertisement
I could imagine Ghulam Ali, looking at the Sena with his famous quizzical expression and quoting his own greatest hits.
