Ink thrown at Loksatta Editor Girish Kuber in Nashik; Details inside-

Nashik, December 6: Activists of the Sambhaji Brigade threw ink at Girish Kuber, editor, Loksatta, at Marathi literary meet venue at Nashik. The activists were protesting against allegedly controversial references about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Kuber’s book. NCP chief Sharad Pawar and former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned this incident.

Reportedly, Kuber made some controversial remarks about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in his book “Renaissance State: The Unwritten Story of the Making of Maharashtra”.

Kuber was participating in the 94th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan on its last day. When he was behind the stage, a few unidentified men hurled ink on his face, shirt and hair. The Police personnel present here, too, were at the receiving end of some splashes.

Former CM Dadnavis said anything written against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj should be condemned. At the same time, ink attacks during literary meet were wrong. He said if something is factually wrong, it should be countered with facts and evidence.

Also Read | Hindu Hate and propaganda to derogate Hinduism through films and web series

NCP leader Pawar said the attack on the writer was an attack on the freedom of expression. He said, “I condemn this incident which doesn’t suit the image of Maharashtra.” He further added that he has read Kuber’s book and said there were some controversial portions in it. He added that though there is a controversy over some portions of this book, at the same time, Kuber has the right to express himself. Those who disagree with his views also have the right to oppose him, but such attack is not acceptable.