Javed Akhtar wrong in comparing RSS with Taliban: Shiv Sena

The Shiv Sena on Monday said lyricist Javed Akhtar was "completely wrong" in comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh with the Taliban.

"How can you say those who favour the concept of a Hindu Rashtra are of Talibani mindset? We don't agree with this," an editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana said.

Akhtar recently told a news channel that right wing all over the world has an uncanny similarity.

"The Taliban want an Islamic country. These people want to make a Hindu Rashtra," the lyricist said without naming the RSS.

Referring to his remarks, the editorial in Saamana said, "Even though Javed Akhtar is a secular man and speaks against fundamentalism, he is completely wrong in comparing the RSS with the Taliban.

The Marathi publication further said the stand of those who propagate a Hindu nation is moderate.

"The partition which led to the creation of Pakistan was based on religion. Those who support a Hindu nation only want that the majority Hindus shouldn't be sidelined. Hindutva is a culture and people of the community demand the right to stop those who attack this culture," it said.

The Sena edit further said comparing Hindutva with the Taliban is an "insult" of the Hindu culture.

"Despite being a Hindu majority country, we have raised the flag of secularism. The proponents of Hindutva only want that Hindus shouldn't be sidelined," it said.

"You can have differences with the RSS, but to call their philosophy Talibani is completely wrong," it added. 

Meanwhile, security was beefed up outside the residence of Javed Akhtar in Mumbai on Monday after a Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party MLA demand an apology from him over his remark.

Adequate police bandobast was placed outside Akhtar's residence near the ISKCON temple in Juhu area, the official said, adding that security personnel, including women constables, were deployed outside the lyricist's home.

BJP MLA and state party spokesperson Ram Kadam condemned Akhtar's remark.

The legislator from Mumbai said no film involving Akhtar will be allowed to be screened in the country until he apologises to Sangh functionaries over his comments.