Mumbai | Amid of party workers opposition to veteran writer Nayantara Sehgal being called up as the chief guest at the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has expressed his regret over the protest.
The official stand of Maharashtra Navanirman Sena regarding the ongoing controversy pertaining to the presence of acclaimed writer Nayantara Sahgal at the 92nd Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan pic.twitter.com/uQQx6u2V4o
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) January 7, 2019
In an issued statement, MNS chief has stated that being the president of the party he has no objection or opposition to Sahitya Akademi award winner Nayantara Sehgal being called up as the chief guest at the ’92nd Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan’ held in Yavatmal. Terming the party workers protest as an effort to safeguard the essence of Marathi language, Thackeray said, “Though the sentiments are correct but the presence of Sehgal will become a medium to exhibit the Marathi culture to the rest of the world.”
Expressing his apology, Raj Thackeray asked the party workers to discuss such sensitive topics and issues with him before taking any stand in future. Raj Thackeray further stated that the party has no opposition to Sehgal and wholeheartedly welcome her to the event.
The organisers of the 92nd Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan had revoked the invitation of Nayantara Sehgal to inaugrate the event after MNS workers had allegedly threatened to disrupt the event in Yavatmal.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
