Mumbai, Nov 4: Coalition partner of BJP in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena lashed out at the fringe elements of the ruling party, accusing it of deliberately targeting Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan since he belongs to the minority community. The Hindutva political outfit expressed its displeasure towards the series of scathing remarks made by BJP leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya and Yogi Adityanath along with Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s firebrand speaker Sadhvi Prachi. Also Read - Udit Narayan Sings 'Mitwa' For UP CM Yogi Adityanath During 'Film City' Meeting, Video Goes Viral

Shahrukh attracted the ire of the right-wing leaders after voicing his support to the ‘Award Wapsi’ movement initiated by an influential section of literary scholars, filmmakers and scientists. Speaking to television news channel, King Khan said, “Religious intolerance and not being secular is the worst crime you are committing as a patriot. I honestly support the actions of those who are returning their awards. They are brave and honest in their approach.” (ALSO READ: Sadhvi Prachi calls Shahrukh Khan ‘Pakistani agent’ for making ‘intolerance’ remark; tells him to go to Pakistan) Also Read - Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Meets Bollywood Personalities Over Film City in Uttar Pradesh's Noida

Back-t0-back, hot-head leaders of BJP slammed Shahrukh for his comments. Veteran BJP leader Vijayvargiya adviced him to move to Pakistan, whereas Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath equated Shahrukh with Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, apart from suggesting him to leave the country. Also Read - Kangana Ranaut Wants 'Terrorism Free' Film Industry After Yogi Adityanath's Announcement

Shiv Sena, which is usually known for adopting the far-right approach, surprisingly came out in defence of the revered actor demanding the BJP to end its hate campaign against the bollywood icon. “Shahrukh should not be targeted for being a Muslim,” said Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut.