Pride of Indian woman is above politics: Uma on Padmavati row

Union minister Uma Bharti is the new entrant in the controversy surrounding the release of movie Padmavati.

Uma tweeted an open letter on November 3 stating she cannot remain neutral over the Padmavati controversy and  urged people not to link the matter just with the Rajput
community since the overriding factor is of "women
pride".  

The saffron robed minister, days after the BJP sought a temporary stay over the release of the movie, has described Muslim emperor Alauddin Khilji as a "licentious invader" who had an "evil eye" on exceptionally
beautiful Chittor princess, Padmavati.

She, in an open letter, said she "hates" Khilji and "respects" Padmavati after reading this episode of history. She also described men, irrespective of their religion, as "descendants of Khilji" who throw acid at women.

Bharati made it clear that she will not tolerate any absurd notion against women pride."I am today's Indian woman, few things are above politics. As a proud woman I have to take care of the pride of every Indian woman - past present or future..I stand firm. No non-sense with Indian woman's pride - past, present or future," she tweeted.

She suggested to form a committee, comprising historian, film maker and representatives of critique, to take a decision on objections on some content of the movie before its release.

Her fiat on the movie follows the BJP's concern that the magnum opus may have romantic scene between princes Padmavati, played by Deepika Padukone, and Khilji, characterised by Ranveer Singh in movie that may upset the Rajput community.

The BJP unit of Gujarat sought a stay on the film till the state assembly elections scheduled next month. The Congress too has sought a pre-release screening of the film so that objectionable scenes could be deleted to assuage feelings of Rajputs.

The minister for drinking water and sanitation did not spare director Sanjay Leela Bhansali either.