Congress against Maharashtra government's decision of ignoring public opinion: Ashok Chavan

Congress state unit president Ashok Chavan on Wednesday made it clear that because Babasaheb Purandare's writing was controversial and public opinion was against awarding him with Maharashtra Bhushan, his party had decided to boycott the function.

Speaking to media persons before the Youth Congress state unit's march to Mantralaya, Chavan said Purandare's selection had been controversial from Day one. He added that not only political entities, but also literary stalwarts, such as Dnyanapeeth awardee Bhalchandra Nemade, and social thinkers have opposed awarding Purandare with Maharashtra Bhushan.

Chavan said it was an attempt by the government to bring in saffronisation in all fields, adding that it was the agenda of right-wing politics.

The former chief minister said that Purandare, through his writings, has defamed not only Shivaji Maharaj, but also his mother Jijabai, and that's why the Congress would not attend the award ceremony.

Chavan alleged that the government was trying to foment a communal atmosphere by stirring controversies by awarding Purandare to divert attention from the real issues. He pointed out that the same things were happening in Parliament, where, he claimed, the BJP was trying to silence the opposition.

He said that on one hand it was awarding Purandare, and on the other, it wants to push its agenda in the Film and Television Institute of India.