Now, PMK seeks ban on Aarakshan

CHENNAI: A day after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi staged a protest against the screening of Hindi film ‘Aarakshan’, the Paatali Makkal Katchi (PMK), on Saturday, staged a demonstration on the Sathyam Cinemas premises, demanding a ban on the film. Around 50 members of the PMK, bearing flags, raised slogans and demanded that all theatres in the State stop screening the film. They were promptly taken into custody by police personnel posted on the theatre premises.Talking to reporters before courting arrest, PMK Chennai District Secretary D Jayaraman said, “Aarakshan has sequences that degrade the concept of reservation. Three states have already banned this film for the same reason. When other states have banned this film, why has Tamil Nadu, the birth place of the concept of reservation, not banned it? Our leader Dr Ramadoss had, a couple of days ago, requested the government to ensure that this film was not screened in the State. However, as there was no response. We will intensify this agitation all over the state if the film is not banned.”Police sources said that those arrested at the agitation were detained at a community centre.Meanwhile, the film and its makers seem to have got support from unexpected quarters.  Dr Rajendra Gawai, the General Secretary of the Republican Party of India, has come out in support of the film.