Controversy unwarranted, says CM’s office

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s statement that he had watched Aamir Khan-starrer PK after downloading it from the Internet has led to yet another controversy over the movie with a social activist filing a police complaint accusing him of violating anti-piracy laws.

However, the Chief Minister’s Office called the row “unwarranted” and said Mr. Yadav had taken a licence to download movies.

On Wednesday, while announcing that PK >would be made tax-free in the State, the Chief Minister told journalists: “People had been telling me for many days to watch PK. I downloaded it a few days ago, but only found time to watch it last night. I liked it.”

This slip of tongue has now led to the founder of NGO, TAHRIR (Transparency, Accountability and Human Rights Initiative for Revolution), Sanjay Sharma, filing a complaint with the Hazratganj police asking it to lodge an FIR against Mr. Yadav for watching a pirated film.

Social groups and prominent figures active on social media have also criticised the Chief Minister for allegedly promoting piracy. Mr. Yadav has so far remained mum on the issue. But the Chief Minister Office’s Twitter handle clarified that “UP CM Akhilesh Yadav has licensed UFO Movies digifacility to download and watch movies. Controversy around pirated download is unwarranted.”