Aurangabad: A group of activists has demanded cancellation of 92nd All India Marathi Literary Meet as a mark of protest for the alleged humiliating treatment meted out to veteran author Nayantara Sahgal by rescinding her invitation to the prestigious event.Addressing media persons on Wednesday, economist S M Desarda said the state government was responsible for dropping Sahgal from the literary event.“The state government is solely responsible for the insult on Sahgal. If this is not the case, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should again invite Sahgal for the event,” he said.Desarda added, “It is alleged that her speech was a mere political outcry against the ruling BJP government and not befitting the occasion. We do not see anything wrong in her speech as she simply expressed her concerns associated with keeping the traditional identity of our country intact. The veteran author has every right to express her thoughts.”Echoing similar views, senior civic activist Krushna Haridas said it was wrong to hold the literary meet at Yavatmal, which has been witnessing the spate of farmers’ suicide.“Several parts of the state are reeling under drought. In order to boost the morale of farmers, agricultural labours and other affected elements, there is need of holding literary meet with drought-mitigation theme,” he said.Sahgal, 91, has already hinted at certain ‘political pressure’ as the reason for the organisers rescinding the invitation extended to her. Considered as a strong critic of BJP, Sahgal was slated to share the dais with Devendra Fadnavis during the inauguration ceremony.

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