British band Coldplay will play in Mumbai on 19 November, but political drama around it has already begun. The Congress has not only raised a lot of questions, it went ahead and lodged an official complaint with the Election Commission.
The Quint spoke to Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam, who lodged the complaint, and party spokesperson Sachin Sawant, who objected to the proposed serving of liquor at the venue. They raised five objections to the event, to which BJP MP Poonam Mahajan, who has been coordinating the event, replied. Read the questions and answers below.
1. Why Is the Govt a Partner in Organising It?
Congress: No governments have partnered in organising music concerts anywhere in the world. Why is the government of Maharashtra doing it? We realise that the government has developed a lot of interest in the event.
Poonam Mahajan: This is part of the Global Citizen movement; it is much larger than one individual or one band. The festival aims to get India to take a leadership role in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals initiative and help achieve them by 2030.
About 80 percent of the tickets are given away for free to young citizens to encourage them to take action to support social good. Governments across the world support philanthropic activities, youth engagement movements and charitable activities. This will benefit India and Maharashtra. It also gives us a chance to showcase Mumbai.
2. Why Tax Exemption for an Entertainment Event?
Congress: We are not against the event, but when the government comes into the picture, things change. The MMRDA, headed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has given a concession of 75 percent to the organisers for hiring the ground at the Bandra-Kurla Complex. The government has also given a tax exemption to the show. As the state government is investing in it, all of this will be audited by the CAG later.
Poonam Mahajan: It is a social event and not an entertainment event. Leading members of industry, international artists, inspirational speakers, civil society leaders and thought leaders will be on stage and have supported this campaign.
Young people are being educated about, and are taking actions to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Most importantly, the tangible and economic benefits that Maharashtra will see due to this platform, and commitments made on this stage, will far exceed any tax waiver.
3. Breaking Election Code?
Congress: The tax exemption was given when the code of conduct was in force in Maharashtra. We are aware that the code of conduct is imposed in rest of Maharashtra and not in Mumbai, but in the age of live telecast, one should be very careful.
Narendra Modi had organised a rally in Mumbai during the Bihar Assembly elections. Since no rallies were allowed in Bihar hours before voting, Modi used his Mumbai speech to clarify BJP’s stand on reservation, which was shown live across Bihar. BJP is infamous for doing such things.
Poonam Mahajan: The event is non-partisan. And will have global political, social and corporate leaders. Leaders from across the Indian political spectrum will be making non-political commitments towards education, gender equality and sanitation. These are universal issues which every Indian cares about.
4. Why BJP Leaders on Stage?
Congress: Political speeches will be made from the stage and they will be broadcast live across Maharashtra, which is going to polls (for electing local bodies). So, we’ve requested the Election Commission to either get the event postponed or ensure that no politicians are allowed on the stage.
Poonam Mahajan: The event is non-partisan. Leaders from all political parties will be present and on stage. They will make commitments on these issues. Looking at previous editions of the Global Citizen Festival in New York will show you that this is not political at all.
5. Will Liquor be Served?
Congress: The organisers have asked for permission to serve liquor. If they claim that the motive of the event is to eradicate poverty and inculcate social sense in the youth, how are they going to do that by distributing liquor?
On one hand, state Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is getting alcohol prohibited in his district, the government expresses concern about growing addiction among youngsters, and on the other hand, there is this talk of liquor being served to the youth at an event co-organised by the government.
Poonam Mahajan: Liquor will not be sold at the event. I am told that the organisers have applied for a license for certain sections. The competent authorities will take a call.
Mumbai Congress Is Divided, As Always!
Mumbai Congress doesn’t need opponents, as it is perpetually divided into several camps. While Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam and spokespersons are going after the Coldplay event, former Congress MP Milind Deora has solidly backed the concert.
It’s a good, apolitical event with larger goals. I’m involved in the organisation in my personal capacity and I don’t see any political motives here. What Sanjay Nirupam ji has said is his personal opinion. I was away (in Norway), so, I am not aware of what other Congress leaders have said about it.Milind Deora, Congress Leader
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)