Naseeruddin Shah not allowed to inaugurate Ajmer Literature Festival

Jaipur, December 21

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, whose recent remarks on mob violence had sparked a controversy, today decided not to inaugurate the Ajmer Literature Festival following protests by members of Hindu outfits affiliated to BJP.

Scores of protesters of BJP Yuva Morcha and Bajrang Dal entered the venue and  shouted anti-Naseeruddin slogans in the afternoon, just before the inauguration, SHO of Kotwali Thana (Ajmer) Kailash Chand said.

Before reaching the venue, the protesters also tore posters and banners with Shah’s pictures, he added. No FIR was filed.

Ras Bihari Gaur, the organiser, said the Bollywood actor participated in a programme of his alma mater St Anselm School, but due to the protest, he “himself decided not to inaugurate the event”.

Shah, meanwhile, defended his statement, saying, “I spoke as a worried Indian and have the right to express concern about the country I love. Why am I being called a traitor? It is very strange.” — OC