New Delhi, Oct 9 (ANI): Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya on Friday, in a series of shocking tweets, supported the ban of Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali from performing in Mumbai, saying that 'nation and patriotism took priority over music' and branded the maestro as a 'dengue artist'.

Ghulam Ali shows in Mumbai, Pune cancelled after Shiv Sena threat

"These shameless people have no self respect, no work except terrorism. So called Hindu political parties jst shout 4 mileage bt never tk action agnst these Dengu Artists from terrorist country.These qawwals don't come here on their merit but due to paki Dalals #prestitute and @MaheshNBhatt (sic)," Abhijeet tweeted.

While the singer's remarks have sent shockwaves, he was fully backed by the Shiv Sena, who said that they 'welcome his statement as he speaks for the nation'.

Banning Ghulam Ali is our tribute to Indian martyrs: Shiv Sena

Indian artists like actor Shabana Azmi, designer Wendell Rodricks and filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt have expressed their displeasure towards the maestro's ban saying that music knows no boundaries, while Pakistan's censor board chief hoped that the Indian government will handle the issue 'responsibly'.