Keypoints:
- Several famous celebrities including cricketers and Bollywood stars have tweeted on the farmers` protests using social media hashtags #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.
- Their tweets came after American pop star Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg backed farmers` protests against the Centre`s three new farm laws.
- Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said the state intelligence department will probe the allegations.
On Monday, the Maharashtra government announces probe over tweets of celebrities related to farmers protests following allegations from the Congress.Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said that the state intelligence department will conduct a probe into allegations that some celebrities were pressurised recently to issue tweets in relation with the ongoing farmers’ protest.
This decision came after several famous faces including cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, singer Lata Mangeshkar and Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn tweeted on the farmers’ protests using social media hashtags #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.
It was also noted by Maharashtra’s Home Minister Anil Deshmukh that the tweets issued by badminton player Saina Nehwal and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar were similar.Their tweets came shortly after the Ministry of External Affairs issued a rejoinder claiming that the farmers’ protests were ‘internal matter’, following tweets by Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg backing farmers who are protesting near Delhi border.
“The Congress’ question is whether they (celebrities) were forced to issue tweets of the same kind simultaneously,” the minister said.
He added, “You may have seen what kind of pressure is there on the media, how a politician is threatened with ED or CBI probe if he/she speaks against the BJP. We have all seen this.”
As far as your objection (about celebrities’ tweets) is concerned, we will definitely probe into those. Our intelligence agency will probe it,” Deshmukh said.
Following the virtual meeting with Deshmukh, Sawant said, “Demanded investigation of BJP connection into the tweets of celebrities and security to be provided to our national heroes if needed and find out whether these celebrities were arm-twisted by BJP.”
Demanded investigation of BJP connection into the tweets of celebrities & security to be provided to our national heroes if needed & find out whether these celebrities were arm-twisted by BJP. @AnilDeshmukhNCP
Ji ordered investigation by Intelligebce unit. https://t.co/KkMfFqzLcc— Sachin Sawant सचिन सावंत (@sachin_inc) February 8, 2021
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of deliberately trying to twist the issue.
Bjp is trying to deliberately twist the issue. We have demanded probe of BJP not celebrities. Why bjp is keeping mum on why tweets of Akshay Kumar and Saina Nehwal are matching with each other? Why Suniel Shetty tags his tweet to a BJP office bearer? Why bjp is scared of probe? https://t.co/jvmPewP6R3 pic.twitter.com/DQKy17phpX
— Sachin Sawant सचिन सावंत (@sachin_inc) February 8, 2021
Why the drafts of most of the tweets are similar and have same word "amicable"?
There is a great possibility that some celebrities may have been armtwisted by bjp? Those need to be given protection. Those who have opined on their own their opinion must be respected. pic.twitter.com/DNBYfsNptL— Sachin Sawant सचिन सावंत (@sachin_inc) February 8, 2021
Bjp is capable of pressuring celebrities. Hence this possibility must be ruled out. It is the duty of MVA govt to provide atmosphere where every individual can exercise their right of freedom of speech without any pressure. Even if pressure is from Modi govt.
— Sachin Sawant सचिन सावंत (@sachin_inc) February 8, 2021
