Jan 18 2016 : The Economic Times (Mumbai)
Krishna Kumar
Mumbai
Pakistani ghazal artist Ghulam Ali will be back in Maharashtra next month, providing a fresh headache for the state govern ment. Ali’s previous show was cancelled following protest of the Shiv Sena, the ruling BJP’s partner. Nation alist Congress Party leader Jitendra Awhad has an nounced that he would hold a Ghulam Ali concert in Thane. Awhad has invited Ali on February 11 to participate in a fourday Thane Festival. According to Awhad, Ghulam Ali has consented to take part in the festival.
The NCP leader’s move is seen as a shrewd attempt to create discord between Sena and BJP , which have not been at the best of terms for the last few years. However, Awhad denied that inviting Ghulam was political.
“BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh is organising a Ghulam Ali concert, West Bengal had seen a concert by him. This has nothing to do with politics. It is a simple art festival and should be treated as such,“ Awhad told ET. When asked about the Sena threat, Awhad said, “Ghulam Ali is a soft target, the Sena has allowed Pakistani government representatives in Mumbai… we have asked for police protection.“