(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
Stand-up comic Munawar Faruqui has been removed from the line-up of performers at the Gurgaon Comedy Festival over 'public safety concerns.' The organizers of the three-day event said they had received 'repeated calls' and online messages against Faruqui's inclusion in the line-up. The event will take place at Airia Mall, Gurugram, from December 17 to 19. Earlier, Faruqui's show in Bengaluru was also canceled.
Context Why does this story matter?
Faruqui's exclusion from the event is what critics of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP ) describe as a crackdown on 'artistic expression' and dissent. On Monday, BJP leader Arun Yadav opposed Faruqui's participation and filed a case against him 'for insulting Hindu Gods and Goddesses.' Faruqui was infamously arrested this January for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments during a show in Indore.
Quote Comedy fest organizers feared public threat
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