MARGAO
Following directions from the government in a bid to cap the row over the release of Anup Ashok Sardesai’s book on Nathuram Godse, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on Friday withdrew permission for the release function of the book on Godse that was scheduled on Saturday evening.
Author of the book, Anup Ashok Sardesai, however, told The Goan that he would take a call on whether to go ahead with the release of the book or not on Saturday morning at a private venue, while confirming that he has received an e-mail from Ravindra Bhavan informing him about the decision to withdraw permission for Saturday’s book release function.
“Ravindra Bhavan’s decision is undemocratic. I have received a mail stating that the book release cannot take place in a government premise. They have suppressed my voice. Where’s the freedom of speech and expression," Anup questioned, while asserting that he will take a call on whether to go ahead with the release and the venue of the function on Saturday morning.
When contacted, Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Damu Naik told The Goan that the institution has withdrawn permission for the author to release the book on Nathuram Godse based on directions received from the government. “Ravindra Bhavan has obeyed the directions sent by the government. The permission granted to the author to hold the book release stands withdrawn. We have communicated the decision to the author," Damu said.
Meanwhile, President of Goa Forward Prabhakar Timble has said that government disallowing the function at Ravindra Bhavan on Martyr’s Day after public pressure in no way absolves Damu Naik and the BJP government.
“The perverse mindset of BJP politicians is in the open. The Prime Minister tells world leaders that he comes from the land of Gandhi. Here, government showcases it as land of Godse. That is the hidden agenda. Such acts are purposely done to fan tensions within the Hindu community. This is the second time that Ravindra Bhavan has done this," Timble said.
