Munnabhai has many loyal backers

Love for Dutt family will make many politicians rally for the jailed actor

I&B Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi and ministerial colleague Kapil Sibal maintained that they did nothing wrong by speaking out for Sanjay Dutt. They were the only two senior leaders to come on record, but across the board in Congress, and even in some other parties, the sympathy and affection for the Dutt family was palpable. It did not spare the actor a six-year jail sentence, but the goodwill generated by his late parents and sister Priya Dutt may eventually work to his advantage.

Priya, the Congress MP from North-west Mumbai, flew into the capital on Thursday, to attend a Parliamentary consultative committee meeting. She, in all probability, would utilise the opportunity to meet senior party leaders and legal experts with regard to her brother’s case. The fact that Tada charges against Dutt were dropped last year was an indication that the government, particularly the CBI, might decide to adopt a benign stance when his plea comes up before the SC.

Meanwhile, there was no mistaking the pro-Dutt sentiment within the ruling combine as well as some opposition parties. However, given the sensitive nature of the case, most senior figures refrained from speaking out publicly. “He may have been naïve and stupid, but certainly not a terrorist. He has made a mistake and paid for it. He must also be given a chance to reform,” said a senior Congress leader.

Sunil Dutt still occupies an iconic image in the corridors of power in the capital. The quiet dignity with which Priya Dutt conducts herself in Parliament, has endeared her to her colleagues.