VIJAYAWADA: Tension prevailed at Vijayawada’s first pub 10 Downing Street in PVP Mall on Sunday night when scores of women activists shouted slogans against the pub management and an event organizer who planned a fashion show inside the pub.
Anya Events reserved the pub on Sunday for the launch of a logo of their customer. Upon knowing that event organizers are conducting a fashion show, around 50 women from National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) stood outside the pub and exchanged a volley of words with the pub management and even the organisers.
Later, Machavaram police reached the spot and watered down the situation. The show which was to be conducted by Anya Events was cancelled.
Speaking to TINE, NFIW city president Penumatsa Durga Bhavani said pub culture has not prevailed in the city so far and now, by holding fashion shows, they are trying to bring in that culture.
She demanded the pub culture be stopped immediately and stated that fashion shows are against the city’s culture and tradition. “A few are trying to bring metropolitan culture to Vijayawada, denting its image and culture. We will oppose every time people try to organize such shows,” she demanded. Bhavani further told police not to permit pub culture in the city as it is against their traditions.
However, Anya event management sources said that they had obtained all necessary permissions to conduct the show. Meanwhile, a few youngsters slammed the protestors for ‘moral policing’ saying that everyone has the right to follow their own culture.“Fashion shows and ramp walks have now become common in Vijayawada,” said Naga Chaitanya.