Actor and BJP MP Hema Malini has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, complaining of 'cultural fascism' in West Bengal that denies permissions for cultural events. She stated this harms artists' livelihoods. The letter comes ahead of the state assembly polls.
BJP MP from Mathura, Hema Malini, posted on X: "I have written a letter to the Honourable Speaker, highlighting a cultural fascism in West Bengal and how it is adversely affecting several people from the cultural world."
She added, "It is both a security risk and a negative impact on livelihoods." In the letter, she detailed experiences where she and her co-artistes were denied permission to perform at specific locations by the state government, citing political programmes there.
The letter stated, "What is tragic is that these are not isolated instances. Over the years, there has been a consistent pattern in West Bengal-- permissions for cultural events are either delayed or denied, often at the eleventh hour, creating uncertainty and disruption for artists and organisers."
Hema Malini noted, "If I as a five-time Member of Parliament feel a sense of insecurity and helplessness in such circumstances, one can only imagine the plight of countless other artistes." She described the environment as "unfortunate and unacceptable" and urged keeping cultural spaces free from political considerations.
