Cracks have started showing within the Congress over support to the Maharashtra government's decision to ban dance bars in the state.

Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Dutt criticised the decision and came out in support of bar dancers.

The government should have thought of providing these dancers alternative jobs before taking the 'harsh step' to close down dance bars in the state, Dutt said in a press release on Monday.

The Congress is part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra.  

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He said:  "The bar girls earn their livelihood through dance, and it's unfair and unjust to brand them prostitutes. They work in difficult situations, but earn their livelihood with dignity."

This is the first time a senior Congress leader has criticised the decision.