Weavers under plight align with anti-Deepa Mehta brigade

Varanasi, Oct 19 (UNI) In a significant political development today, 27,000 Banarasi Saree weavers under plight, joined forces with Kranti Shiv Sena (KSS), whose president Arun Pathak led the protests to stall the filming of Deepa Mehta's critically acclaimed film 'Water' in 2000.

The National President of Charkha Andolan -- a consortium of 27,000 handloom weavers of Varanasi -- Ramzaan Ali Panchrangi told UNI here that after being betrayed by all major political parties, this weaver's umbrella organisation has decided to actively work with KSS, a breakway faction of Shiv Sena.

''We would work with KSS for the preservation of rich Indian culture. The KSS in return will fight for the rights of Banarasi Saree weavers presently under plight.'' Mr Panchrangi further said the Charkha Andolan will go door-to- door to canvass support for KSS mayorial candidate in Varanasi, Prahlad Jaiswal.

The KSS president, Arun Pathak, then with Shiv Sena had in 2000 led protests here which stalled the shooting of Deepa Mehta's ''Water'' based on the plight of impoverished Hindu widows in Kashi.

The film has been selected by Canada as its official entry to next year's Oscars.

Mr Pathak even made an abortive bid to commit suicide by jumping in the Ganga river, following which the entire film crew also comprising actors Shabana Azmi and Nadita Das had to leave the city without shooting for the flick.

UNI ARS ATI SB BD1941