Mamata blocked Kolkata visit: Rushdie

Mamata blocked Kolkata visit: Rushdie
Saturday, February 02, 2013 12:08 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Controversial writer Salman Rushdie, who had to cancel his visit to Kolkata in view of protests on Wednesday, on Friday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blocked his trip to the eastern city where he was to be present at a literary festival.

He also said the Kolkata Literary Meet organizers were lying that he was not invited in the first place and can show his plane ticket and emails.

"The simple fact is that the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered the police to block my arrival," he tweeted reacting apparently to a report that quoted Trinamool leader Saugata Roy saying that Rushdie was given friendly advice to not be in Kolkata.

"Finally re Kolkata: the lit meet organizers are lying when they say I wasn't invited. I have emails and plane tkt sent by them to prove it.(sic)," tweeted Rushdie.

"Also re Kolkata... The police gave my full itinerary to the press and called Muslim leaders, clearly inciting protests. Ridiculous, Saugata Roy. I did not get "friendly advice" to stay away from Kolkata. I was told the police would put me on next plane out," he tweeted.

Rushdie with filmmaker Deepa Mehta were scheduled to visit Kolkata to promote their film 'Midnight's Children' on Wednesday but later it was cancelled.

Police refused to speak on the issue and said they have nothing to offer while Muslim groups which protested told IBNS that they thanked the government for stopping Rushdie.

A Kolkata Book Fair official, within which the meet is being held, earlier said Rushdie was not invited at all.

According to earlier reports, PVR Cinema, which is distributing 'Midnight's Children', based on Rushdie's book, supposedly said they could not organise the venue for a press conference to promote the film in Kolkata.

With the news of Rushdie's visit spreading, some minority organisations were holding protests at the Kolkata airport in the morning claiming they would not allow the author of the book 'The Satanic Verses', which is still banned in India, to enter the city.

This is not the first time that the artist is facing such protests as Rushdie was denied participation at the Jaipur Literary Festival last year following the protests by some hardline Muslim groups.

The government reportedly said Rushdie's visit would pose a huge security risk as intelligence agencies is reported to have warned the writer that they had information about assassins who could be deputed to kill him by the Mumbai underworld.
Singham Again Wins the Monday Test with estimated collection of 17-18 Crores on Day 4!

Audiences are rallying behind Singham Again, making it their top choice this week. Following an impressive weekend collection that set box office records, Singham Again shows

Tuesday, November 05, 2024
Audiences Celebrate Diwali with Singham Again as the Film Roars on Weekend!

Rohit Shetty's highly anticipated cop-drama Singham Again has made a thunderous impact at the box office. The film, led by Ajay Devgn, drew massive crowds and raked in impressive

Monday, November 04, 2024
Samantha Ruth Prabhu De-Stresses with Intense Workouts and Explores Rajasthan's Beauty!

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently showcased her de-stressing ritual with some intense fitness training, proving once again that she's as strong as she is stunning. Taking to Instagram

Monday, November 04, 2024
Kriti Sanon and Rumoured Boyfriend Kabir Bahia Spotted at Mumbai Airport: Details Inside!

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who has been basking in the positive reception of her maiden production Do Patti, was recently spotted at the Mumbai airport on Sunday alongside her

Monday, November 04, 2024
Poojan Chhabra on building a strong connection with co-star Bhuvan Arora on the sets of Amazon MX Player's Fisaddi!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming platform, recently released the bromance drama, Fisaddi. Set in Allahabad University, the series follows the story of two

Monday, November 04, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT