NCP leader claims deal was struck between Maha CM, dance bar owners

Chief spokesman of the Nationalist Congress Party Nawab Malik, on Thursday, claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis struck a deal with dance bar owners to restart dance bars in the state.

Malik alleged that because of this deal, the state government did not present its case properly before the Supreme Court. "BJP leader Shaina N.C. acted as go-between for this deal, " he claimed.

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, allowed dance performance in bars in Maharashtra. No dance bar license has been given in the state since 2005 when the dance bars were banned by the state government. The move was initiated by the then home minister and senior NCP leader late R.R. Patil.

Malik also said Congress-NCP government will take fresh steps to enforce the ban when it comes to power after assembly elections in the state.

State Congress president Ashok Chavan and Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil too have lashed out at the state government for its failure to ensure ban on dance bars. Chavan said it was a conspiracy of the government to allow a backdoor entry to dance bars once again.

Stating that there can be "regulations" but not "total prohibition", the apex court had cleared the path for the reopening of dance bars in the state by setting aside some provisions of a 2016 law imposing restrictions on their licencing and functioning.

The top court, however, upheld certain provisions. It allowed the payment of tips to performers but made it clear that showering of currency notes cannot be allowed.

It quashed the provision mandating that dance bars in Maharashtra should be one kilometre away from religious places and educational institutions.

(With PTI inputs)