MNS workers file cases against Jaya

Though the casual remark by actor and MP Jaya Bachchan hit all the wrong notes with MNS workers, her apology has fallen on deaf years, report Naresh Kamath & Zeeshan Shaikh.

Though the casual remark by actor and MP Jaya Bachchan hit all the wrong notes with MNS workers, her apology has fallen on deaf years.

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MNS workers had demanded a public apology from her after she had inadvertently passed a casual remark at a social event on Saturday, insisting on speaking in Hindi. However, when Jaya did apologise for the remark through a section of the media, MNS workers refused to accept it and said that she must do it by holding a press conference.

The workers have also filed cases against her accusing her of hurting their sentiments through provocative statements. “We have all seen how Jaya Bachchan has insulted the 12 crore Maharashtrians in front of the nation. We want her to publicly apologise to the people,” said Shirish Parkar, spokesperson, MNS.

“She should hold a press conference and convey her regret, instead of talking to a select section of the media,” he added.

Though no major incidents of violence were reported, MNS activists resorted to tearing down posters of films featuring Jaya’s husband Amitabh and hoardings featuring her son Abhishek.

Jaya chose to remain silent on Tuesday despite requests from the media. Earlier in the day, a section of the media quoted her saying that she did not intend to hurt anybody’s sentiments and offered to apologise.

Home Minister RR Patil said the agitation should be called off as Jaya had apologised. “I have read in papers that she has apologised. That was Raj Thackeray’s demand. What is the need for the agitation now?” Patil said.