Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), known for issuing threatening diktats and garnering publicity is once again in news for threatening Bollywood stars to cough out charity for the drought-hit farmers or face the ire!

In an open letter issued by MNS leader Ameya Khopkar to the Bollywood fraternity, the letter opening terms the film fraternity as Selfish` and criticizes them for spending money on partying and boozing, caring a damn for the poor farmers who are dying due to drought in Maharashtra.

The letter further alleges that Bollywood artists lack humane emotions and humanitarian values. Hence the letter warns them that before the MNS party retaliates against them, the film fraternity must come out and start extending help to the farmers.

The letters appreciates few Bollywood stars like Salman Khan and Aamir Khan for being helpful. However it forgets to mention eminent actor Nana Patekar and Marathi cinema actor Makarand Anaspure, who started the mission of helping the farmers.

Interestingly Ashutosh Gupta, the fiery TV Journalist turned Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has come out in open to support Bollywood stars. Terming the policy as nothing short of bulling, Ashutosh Gupta lambasted MNS and termed the diktat ridiculous. He lamented, "It is really unfortunate that MNS has once again begun their politics of threats."

He added, "I agree that everybody who is capable of giving charity must voluntarily step out and help the poor farmers, who are dying of drought in many parts of Maharashtra but the police of being violent and forcefully targeting film stars to cough out charity is awful and must be condemned."

This article is from Raaga's music blog. Read more at http://blog.raaga.com