MNS targets Aishwarya over 'smoking' pics

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has now taken up moral policing and their target is Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has now taken up moral policing and their target is Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

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The party has objected to the posters of her new film, Guzaarish, which show Aishwarya smoking a cigarette. The posters have been put up on BEST buses plying the city.

"The advertisement sends a wrong message to the society and it should be withdrawn immediately," said Avinash Abhyankar, president of the MNS BEST workers' union.

Raj Thackeray's party has warned the BEST to take immediate react in the matter. "If these posters are not removed immediately, we would deal with the matter in MNS style," added Abhyankar.

The BEST administration said it has apprised the advertisement companies of the situation.

"We have advised the companies, keeping in mind the public sentiments, to take a step in the matter. But, legally, we have no authority to remove the posters," said OP Gupta, general manager, BEST Undertaking.

Aishwarya, after Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, has become the third member from the Bachchan family to face the MNS's ire.

Similarly, Raj had also demanded an apology from Jaya Bachchan for her alleged anti-Marathi remarks and had threatened not to allow any films starring the Bachchans to be released till the demand was met.

Later, Amitabh had apologised on behalf of his family.