'Fascist forces' in Gujarat coercing Punjabi farmers: Tewari

In a veiled attack on BJP, Union Minister Manish Tewari today claimed Punjabi farmers are being threatened and coerced to move out of Gujarat by the "fascist forces" who are in power there.
The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting warned against the fascist forces, saying they pose a threat to free thinking and cultural development in the country.
"Freedom of thought and expression and the cultural development are always the first target of such forces," the Ludhiana MP said.
He was addressing a function after inaugurating the studio and programme services of the Ludhiana FM Gold here today.
"Punjabi farmers in Gujarat are being threatened and coerced to move out by the fascist forces who are in power there, despite various courts having ruled in their favour," Tewari said.

He appealed to people to ensure that such forces are not allowed to raise their head.

A place like Punjab, particularly Ludhiana, which has produced great artists like Sahir Ludhiana should feel more concerned about the rise of such forces whose first target will be free thinking, the minister said.
Tewari also asked the Punjab government to come out with a proposal for facilitating the setting up of Punjabi film industry "anywhere in Punjab".
"We don't mind even if they set it up in Bathinda, as long as it is in Punjab," Tewari remarked in his characteristic satirical style, with an oblique reference to the Akalis' reported "obsession" to take all the development projects to Bathinda.