Padmaavat an effort to defame Rajputs, says Karni Sena

Shri Rajput Karni Sena continued with their protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat and the supposed "effort to defame Rajputs", a day ahead of the scheduled release of the movie. Karni Sena patron Lokendra Singh Kalvi insisted that a 'janta curfew' will be imposed on theatres screening the movie.

Kalvi also sought to shift the blame for the widespread violence, reportedly carried out at many places by members of his outfit, on the movie director Bhansali. He also rejected reports that some Karni Sena members had watched the film ahead of its release terming them as rumours.

He said, "Padmaavat will not be allowed to be released at the cost of defaming Rajputs. Bhansali should recall January 27 (the day he was manhandled) and remember, I am the same Kalvi and this is the same Karni Sena."

He said that his call for janta curfew stands with people supporting his cause.

On apprehensions that he might be arrested, he said, "Even if bullets are fired, we will not go back on our plans. Even states that have not banned the movie will not be allowed to exhibit it." He extended this threat further and said, "Prasoon Joshi will not be allowed to come to Jaipur at any cost."

Karni Sena president Mahipal Singh Makrana warned online booking sites against making any advance bookings for Padmaavat. "We will find your office, our Sainiks are at it. We will follow you to your homes. You cannot make a fast buck at the cost of our dignity."