Search the Internet          Tips

Thackeray calls for ban on
Valentine's Day

Our Correspondent in Bombay

Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray has called for a ban on the Valentine's Day festivities.

"Shiv Sainiks will disrupt the 'uncultural' programmes on Valentine's Day," Thackeray said in an article in his party's newspaper, Saamna.

"The government has banned cigarettes and tobacco. In the same way I feel they must ban Valentine's Day," he said. "Our country does not have any relation with this outside culture. This is a ploy by multinational companies to spoil the minds of our youth."

Thackeray pointed out that the Valentine's Day festivities were a phenomenon of just the last 10 years in India. "The MNCs have brought this mad culture to our country," he said. "If the youths don't stop it, Shiv Sainiks will protest against it and throw away the Valentine's Day greeting cards on February 14."

"Our youths are enjoying on their parents' money. They dance and enjoy on this day. [Instead] they should educate themselves and make their parents proud. That is the precise reason why their parents send them to colleges. Instead they are enjoying in such activities," he continued.

Referring to the Uttar Pradesh government's recent decision to ban beauty contests in the state, he said, "In Uttar Pradesh, the government has rightly banned fashion shows. In West Bengal too the government has protested and demanded a ban on the beauty culture. In the same way I feel Valentine's Day should be banned."

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report