Although well-known writers like Ben Okri, poet Gulzar and Prasoon Joshi were interacting and sharing the best of their work with people in jam-packed halls at Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) but author Sir Salman Rushdie’s controversy refused to die down.
A section of the Muslim audience sought action against the writers who allegedly read out part of Sir Salman’s The Satanic Verses while socialite Suhel Seth criticised chief minister Ashok Gehlot for not providing security cover to the author.
However, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said his government made all security arrangements. “It is our duty to make necessary security arrangements if an advisory come to us from the centre,” he said while responding to a question about Mr Rushdie’s visit.
Talking to mediapersons at the Congress office on Saturday, Mr Gehlot said Mr Rushdie has no need to get a visa to visit India. “Anyone who falls under the PIO category may come to India,” Mr Gehlot said. “if there is a threat perception for someone, then there is nothing wrong in conveying it to him,” the chief minister said. “No one wants to disturb such a grand and fabulous event,” he added.