Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said on Wednesday that his government would not allow the release of Bollywood movie Padmavati in the state as it hurts sentiments of the Rajput community.
"There are issues with the film, our sympathy is with those who are protesting against it and that is the reason we will not allow its release in the state till those issues are resolved," Rupani said in Ahmedabad.
The decision to not screen the movie has been taken keeping in mind the law and order situation in the poll-bound state, he said.
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film has been facing opposition over allegations that it twists historical facts.
"The Government of Gujarat will not allow Bollywood movie Padmavati to be released in the state as it is hurting sentiments of the Rajputs," Rupani said.
We can't allow our history to be distorted, he said.
"We believe in freedom of speech and expression but any foul play with our great culture will not be tolerated," the chief minister said.
Bharatiya Janata Party ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already expressed reservations about the film.
Rupani also referred to the assembly polls to be held in two-phases on December 9 and 14 saying his government does not any row in the poll-bound state.
"Election are also approaching and we do not want any row here. The matter comes under law and order situation and that is the reason we have taken this decision," he said.
Asked if he had seen the film, Rupani said, "The makers of the film should screen it for those who are protesting against it and resolve the issue. Our concern is protests and law and order situation at the time of elections. Till this issues is resolved we will not allow screening of the film in Gujarat."
On November 20, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said Padmavati will not be allowed to be screened in the state if historical facts are 'distorted' in the film.
Meanwhile, the Karni Sena, which is leading the protests against the film, continued its offensive.
"Its reel should be consigned to the flames of jauhar," Lokendra Singh Kalvi, chief of the outfit, told reporters in New Delhi.
He lashed at Padukone for her remarks that no force could stop the film's release. "Who is Deepika Padukone? Is she the president or the prime minister? This film will not be released at any cost," he said.
Asked on what basis was he claiming that the film distorted history, Kalvi said it was his "assumption" based on an alleged statement of Ranveer Singh, who plays Alauddin Khilji in the movie.
Director Bhansali recently clarified that rumours about a romantic dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Khilji's characters were not true as he was careful in depicting "Rajput honour and dignity".
Kalvi also alleged to have received "life threats" from unknown numbers, one of which "was traced back to Karachi".
Many groups have been protesting against the movie alleging distorting of history.
Historians, however, are divided even on whether Rani Padmavati existed.
