Haji Ali row: Desai invokes Bollywood Khans for support

Set to enter Mumbai's Haji Ali Dargah to break the gender barrier disallowing women's entry, Bhumata Brigade activist Trupti Desai on Thursday asked Bollywood actors Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan to lend support to their cause, which is aimed at eradicating differential treatment meted out to women at religious places.

"I think Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan should state their stand on what we are trying to achieve here, on our cause... That way I believe that their fan following will join us and support us in our fight for equality," she told ANI.

After spearheading a successful campaign for women's right to worship in temples, Desai had on Monday said that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) should allow women to join the organisation. Desai said she would soon write to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the issue as part of her campaign for gender equality.

Speaking to ANI today, Desai expressed hope that RSS would respect their stand and consider their demand.

"I think Mohan Bhagwat ji is a progressive thinker and he will respect our stand of entry for women in RSS," she said.

On Saturday, Shiv Sena leader Haji Arafat said he would not allow her to touch the mazar-e-sharif at the the Hazi Ali Dargah. Arafat, who joined the Shiv Sena after leaving the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in 2014, said that the attempt by Desai to enter the Haji Ali Dargah is a conspiracy meant to disturb Mumbai's peaceful environment.

On April 20, 'Haji Ali for All' Forum was launched by Desai along with several activists, NGOs and social groups to fight for entry of women to the shrine.

The Maharashtra Government had in February supported the entry of women to the Haji Ali Dargah.

The government had told the Bombay High Court that the entry of women cannot be prohibited.