"There
is a lot of sensitivity in Kshatriya and Rajput communities with
regards to certain depiction of history. We respect their feelings and
with elections on the anvil, the state government does not want any
controversy.
Besides
that the law and order is also our responsibility, so we have decided
that we will not allow release of movie 'Padmavati' in Gujarat," he
said.
Rupani
also said that the ban was not only limited to the state assembly polls
which will be held in December "but till the controversies subside".
Asked
by media whether he had seen the controversial movie or not before
taking such a decision, he said that it was not required. "I have met
several people who have expressed anguish and anger against the movie.
It has hurt their sentiments bad and we respect their point of view."
'Padmavati',
starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor and directed
by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been in controversy since its making.
Earlier, the Karni Sena in Rajasthan had vandalized the sets of the
movie during its shooting, protesting the depiction of the queen.
Several organisations across the country have been opposing the release of the movie, whose release has been deferred.