Amid demand over resignation, Prasoon Joshi asks to check facts

"We had already stated that the film is yet to be certified and is in the process of certification as per the requisite guidelines," Jodhi was quoted as saying by NDTV.

"I am surprised by the irresponsible statements that are being made regarding CBFC. Facts should be checked before making such allegations," Joshi said in a statement on Saturday.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over allegedly granting permission for the release of biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, the opposition parties, who claim that the biopic could give undue advantage to the BJP in the polls as it will arrive in theatres before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The seven-phase polls will begin on April 11, the day the film is scheduled to release.

"As per the rule, the producers have to submit the final copy of the film to the censor board 58 days prior to the date of the exhibition. So why was special treatment given to the biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi?" Amey Khopkar, President of Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena, said in a statement.

Khopkar said the board went "out of its way" to give certification to the biopic.

"We condemn the censor board which went out of its way for this film to appease the government. Prasoon Joshi should resign immediately from his post," he said.