MP Assembly decides to pay tribute to Sridevi; later drops name

The death of Bollywood actor Sridevi acquired a political colour on Tuesday with the opposition Congress attacking the Madhya Pradesh government over the removal of her name from the condolence list, alleging that the step was "politically motivated".

The condolence list released by the Assembly on Monday included Sridevi's name, who passed away on February 24. The list also included actor Shashi Kapoor's name. Their names were later removed in a revised list released late on Monday evening.

"Her name has been removed from the list as she always raised her voice against the fanatics and supported secular beliefs," Congress MLA Govind Singh told reporters outside the House here.

Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh also raised the issue and demanded her name in the list.

BJP MLA Mohan Yadav supported the view of including her name in the condolence list as she was an artist. He also said he will write to the Assembly Speaker regarding this.

The BJP, however, said that the name has been removed as her last rites are yet to take place.

BJP MLA Yashpal Singh Sisodiya said, "Condolences are expressed for a person only after the last rites. Sridevi's last rites are yet to happen, and so we did not express condolence."

--IANS

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