Bajrang Dal Opposes Shafqat Amanat Ali Show... After It Was Junked

The outfit had written to police against the “anti-national” activity.

The hate campaign against Pakistani artistes in India after the Uri attacks has unexpectedly resulted in a comedy of errors.

The Bajrang Dal approached Benglauru police on Wednesday seeking cancellation of Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali’s concert in the city. Only to discover that the organisers had already called off the the show eight days back.

In a letter to Adugodi Police, the Bajrang Dal called for cancellation of the event that was to be held at Forum Mall in Koramangala on September 30. The letter described the invitation by Radio Mirchi, the show’s organisers, to a Pakistani performer an “anti-national” activity.

However, Vidyut K, Head of Activation at Radio Mirchi, told The News Minute that the company junked the event on 20 September itself.

Also Read: VHP Seeks to Cancel Shafqat Amanat Ali’s Concert in Bengaluru

We had planned this concert two months ago. We wanted Ali to perform because he is a well-known singer. By cancelling (the event) we lost some money as we had already spent on promotions and other arrangements. Some tickets were also booked through BookMyShow. The ticket money was reimbursed after the concert was cancelled.

Vidyut K, Head of Activation at Radio Mirchi

Suryanaraya Rao of the Bajrang Dal told The News Minute that they found out the show was off hours after approaching the police. “The police did not tell us anything,” Surayanarayana said.

After the Uri attack, there have been heated debates on whether India should allow Pakistani artists to perform in the country. Actor Fawad Khan reportedly returned to Pakistan after threats from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).