File Photo: MNS Chief Raj Thackeray
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has asked Bollywood personalities to help farmers reeling under drought-like conditions in the state and threatened to call for boycott of their films and "teach them a lesson" if its diktat was not followed.
The Raj Thackeray-led party on Tuesday released a letter addressed to Bollywood artists, producers, directors, asking them to extend support to agriculturists, especially in Marathwada which is facing severe water scarcity and from where several farmer suicides have been reported.
Ameya Khopkar, president of Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena said: "If Marathi actors like Nana Patkar, Makarand Anaspure and Bollywood stars such as Aamir Khan and Salman Khan can help society then why not others?"
"Farmers who are now in bad situation cultivate food grains not only for the Marathi actors but for all. So it is their duty to repay when they need it," he added.
"MNS leader Abhijeet Panse has sent food grains for 26 families in a village in Osmanabad. Film personalities Mahesh Manjrekar, Abhay Gadgil and I will contribute Rs 50 lakh to drought-affected farmers," Mr Khopkar said.
Criticising MNS, Bharatiya Janata Party Mumbai spokesperson Niranjan Shetty said people should be encouraged to help voluntarily.
Shiv Sena said MNS is politicising the drought issue. "Instead of sending threatening letters, the MNS should send 'welcome' letters to those who have come forward on their own," said Arvind Bhosale, a Sena spokesperson.