However, the Congress has threatened to take the matter to streets as they allege that pressure from the ruling saffron combine of BJP-Shiv Sena has forced the municipal commissioner to withdraw the proposal.

While discussing the proposal in the Standing committee today, Phatak sought to withdraw the proposal recommending exemption of tax for movies and drama shows in all regional languages.

On query of Sena leader Sunil Prabhu on the norms followed by other states, the civic administration stated that they were in contact with municipal corporations from other states to collect information on the matter.

Congress leader Rajhans Singh who had initially suggested that Bhojpuri films being screened in city theatres be exempted from the entertainment and theatre tax levied by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, claimed that Phatak was acting under pressure. “I had only asked for relief for Bhojpuri films, but the civic administration suggested all regional languages. So, why this volte-face now?” he asked and added, “Sena is putting pressure on Phatak after the MNS row. It does not wish to lag behind on the issue — to be the saviour of Marathi manoos.”

Congress corporator Sameer Desai too claimed that Phatak was under pressure. “This is being done on the behest of Shiv Sena who wants people to know that they are still fighting for the Marathi manoos. After approving it, why should the proposal now be put in cold-storage and rob the common man some concession on entertainment?” he asked.