Expressing anguish over a photograph of Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde embracing his Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi, a group of Mumbai residents have sent a telegram to Congress president Sonia Gandhi urging her to take action in the matter.

The telegram said, "We are shocked to see a photograph of Shinde embracing Modi. Does your party stand for the secularism of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru?"

The photograph, which was taken in New Delhi, had appeared in major national dailies recently.

The signatories included former police officer Julio Ribeiro, media professional Alyque Padamsee, Marathi playwright Vijay Tendulkar, film personality Mahesh Bhatt, music exponent Shubha Mudgal, actor Farookh Shaikh, filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, journalist Nikhil Wagle and editors of Communalism Combat Javed Anand and Teesta Setalvad.

"Actions like that of Shinde may seem trivial but they go a long way in legitimising the hate-driven politics of an amoral politician like Modi, who should be castigated not applauded for his role in the Gujarat carnage," the telegram added.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 4 Sub: Re:Din... It will be interesting to know how Sonia Gandhi reacts to the letter endorsed by the so-called secularists. Fortunately for the people of Maharashtra in ... Posted by I.S. Rao Sub: you are the reason The so called socialist and secularist have to clearly understand that one of the major factor of what happend in Gujarat was attitude of this ... Posted by ps Sub: how sick the list of socialists you mentioned should be spanked. these guys and ladies have no right to pass an opinion if they do not respect ... Posted by sg Sub: Din Over Shinde embracing Modi These so called self styled secularists are really hate mongerers and communal provocateurs. Embrace between two political opponents, howsoever hypocritic, can always lead to better ... Posted by Col. Rajendra Aggarwala