Shelar on Film City Security, Shinde Audio Clip, Tree Felling
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has issued a wide-ranging response covering political remarks, film industry security, a controversial audio clip, legal matters and environmental concerns. He began by rejecting comments made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, saying that conduct and language reveal a person's culture. He said that remarks about someone's mother and father show a lack of culture and judgment, and that India's citizens would not accept such language.
Shelar said Kharge and those backing him had displayed their own culture through their words. He added that criticism and opposition are acceptable, but personal remarks about parents cannot be justified.
On Mumbai's Film City, the minister said that because film personalities have been targeted in some incidents, the government is looking at strengthening security. Discussions have been held with the police, and talks are continuing with the Home Department. Surveillance through CCTV is being expanded, and efforts are underway to deploy more personnel for internal security.
Turning to the audio clip linked to Eknath Shinde, Shelar accused the opposition of doing politics alone. He noted that the Chief Minister first promised a forensic examination and that a Special Investigation Team was later proposed. Despite these steps, the opposition continues to question the matter.
He said that even Manoj Jarange had sought a probe, and that the BJP had made clear it had no connection to the clip and no leader's voice was in it. Shelar said it was still essential to establish who made the clip, why it was made, who circulated it, who produced and directed it, and what the objective was. He added that the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) had clearly called for an inquiry during a meeting with the Chief Minister, and that objections to the SIT suggested political interests among some critics.
Shelar also referred to a 2018 case involving Rahul Gandhi, who had made remarks about Amit Shah, then BJP president and now Union Home Minister. The court has issued its decision. Shelar said he did not have full details but respected the court's independence. He said Gandhi's statements had been observed by the public and that some of them did not match India's cultural traditions. On Amit Shah, he urged people to consider his political ability, experience and contributions before criticising him.
On MIDC, Shelar said its work has drawn attention across Maharashtra and the country. He said any disagreement between MIDC and other departments would be clarified by the concerned department.
Finally, he addressed actor Sayaji Shinde's concern about tree felling in Konkan's coastal areas and his environmental campaign appealing for public participation. Shelar called Shinde a senior artist and expressed support for his initiatives. He said no tree should be cut without necessity, trees should be protected, and plantation must expand. He added that legal and environmental procedures must be followed for every project, and that the government supports eco-friendly development.