Indian veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has been in hot water for his controversial statement on women’s veil. He said he is not against enacting a law banning the burqa if it was accompanied with a similar action against the ‘ghoonghat’ system prevalent among women largely in Indian region Rajasthan.

He said, “Covering face may be a problem when it comes to security. If burqa is banned then, ghoonghat too should be taken into account. What is the need of burqa or ghoonghat?,” Times of India reported.

He further added, “If you want to bring a law banning burqa and if it is someone’s view I have no objection. But before the last phase of elections in Rajasthan, this government should announce a ban on the practice of ghoonghat in that state. I feel that ghoonghat and burqa should go. I will be happy”.

The Bollywood veteran has been receiving severe backlash for his statement. The Rajasthan-based Rajput Karni Sena, a fringe group, has now threatened the lyricist with violence.