Former CM Ashok Gehlot addressed media in Alwar’s Behror on Tuesday in which he spoke on the controversial flick ‘Padmaavat’ and the ‘political cloud’ hovering over it. Excerpts:

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Padmaavati is a different story. What I think is art and artists should be respected and they also should take care that no caste or religion is hurt and is equally respected. When the movie came, which government was ruling? At Centre and in state? BJP! If Ministry of Broadcasting had called and had a word with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, leaders of Karni Sena and Censor Board’s chairman, the scenario might have been different by now. But, as the Gujarat elections were going on at that time, they have intentionally given it a footage, because of which the Supreme Court had to intervene.

He added, you are witnessing the atmosphere in the country. It has turned hostile with uncalled for tension and such a situation is created that government had to go to the Supreme Court. They wanted votes in Gujarat. Reality is that they deliberately set the issue on fire and when injuries were inflicted, they pretended to appear concerned about it. If they wanted, the controversy could have ended in just a week.

On being asked about ending the controversy and its relation with winning Gujarat elections, Gehlot said that whether it is Gujarat elections or upcoming polls, the government is working upon juxtaposing one caste against another.