The Shree Rajput Karni Sena on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even though remain silent on this big issue Padmavati row, must have had a role to play in the delay of its release date from December 1. As the Karni Sena continues to gather support in opposing the release of Padmavati, its proprietor founder Lokendra Singh Kalvi said he was hopeful of increasing supporters from "four to 14" till director Sanjay Leela Bhansali announces a new release date for his historic drama. Kalvi said even though the Padmavati makers have claimed they have "voluntarily" deferred the movie's release, Modi would have had a "role" to play.

Padmavati is in the eye of a storm following allegations that the movie distorts history about Rajput queen Padmavati, who is known to have committed Jauhar (self-immolation) to protect the honour of her community during the siege of Chittor in 1303. At an earlier press conference here, Kalvi said he had already garnered the support of Chief Ministers of four states. "I will make it from four to 14 till the next date is decided. I am meeting three more Chief Ministers in the next two days. This film will not run," he said. He said his appeal to Modi to "intervene" in the controversy was merely via the media. We will make a written appeal to PM if there's a need. I haven't written any appeal to any Chief Minister or the Prime Minister.... I am going to Maharashtra... They will ban it, I am confident," Kalvi