Own up AAP's role in 'Udta Punjab': Akali Dal

Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal on Saturday asked Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to accept his party's role in the making of the controversial film 'Udta Punjab'.

Akali Dal Secretary and Punjab Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema told the media on Saturday that the AAP stood exposed before the world with the CEO of Balaji Films turning out to be a senior member of the AAP communication wing.

"His (Kejriwal's) own tweets to welcome Balaji CEO Sameer Nair has exposed the truth that the producer is an active member of the Aam Aadmi Party. The making of the film is a deep-rooted conspiracy to defame the state and Punjabis," Cheema said.

"Now there is conclusive evidence that an active AAP member had a major role in the production of 'Udta Punjab'," Cheema added.

He wondered if Nair had disclosed to Balaji Films that he was a member of the AAP.

Cheema urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to convene an all-party meeting on the issue.

Asked if the Punjab government is contemplating banning the movie, Cheema said there was no such plan.

"It is the people of the state who will decide the fate of the movie once the High Court and CBFC clears it," Cheema said, leaving the field open for speculation on the government's next move if the film is cleared for release.

--IANS

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