Lata, Sachin Tweets Not The Problem, BJP IT Cell Is: Maharashtra Minister

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said the celeb tweets would be probed (File)

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis traded sharp words Tuesday on the political row that has erupted over Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar's tweets in support of the centre and its handling of the farmers' protest.

Responding to allegations the ruling Shiv Sena is more concerned about acting against two Bharat Ratna awardees than ex-Aligarh University student Sharjeel Usman, Mr Deshmukh shot back: "We are not enquiring against Lata Mangeshkar or Sachin Tendulkar but against BJP IT cell..."

Earlier Mr Fadnavis had attacked the Maharashtra government for lacking courage to take action against Mr Usman, whom the BJP has accused of "promoting enmity between different groups" during a speech at a recent Elgar Parishad conclave.

"He insults Hindus and you take no action against him. Even members of Elgar Parishad support his statements but you have no guts to take action against them. But you can take action against Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar..." he said on the floor of the Assembly.