Zee JLF: Bypolls rob Literature Festival of neta footfall

The first day of the annual Zee Jaipur Literature Festival was a bit unusual – political leaders were inconspicuous by their absence. Even Rajasthan's Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje – a well-known book lover who is a regular at the annual festival – was forced to give it a miss.

Blame it all on the intense battle simmering as by-elections loom – they are slotted for January 29, the day the 'Mahakumbh of Literature' culminates.

The Chief Minister, who was scheduled to inaugurate the festival, was instead at a roadshow in Alwar, garnering vote and support for BJP candidate Dr Jaswant Singh. Other ministers and prominent leaders were also on party duty, campaigning for Alwar, Ajmer and Mandalgarh constituencies.

The absence of politicians, however, did not keep politics of 'Padmaavat' away from the festival. Apprehensions of disturbance by protesters cast a shadow over the lawns of Hotel Diggi Palace, which was packed to the brim. 
It darkened with a book on Rani Padmini was launched amid threats of violence by Shri Rajput Karni Sena and other radical groups.

The tight security and presence of khaki in large numbers soothed the nerves of book lovers who had come from various parts of the world. And thus, the first day went off without controversy and undesirable elements.

The absence of bigwig politicians, did not rob the festival of glamour and glitz for which it's known. The weather was also perfect with dappled sunlight falling on bibliophiles, Dr Margret Alva, former Governor of Rajasthan, Shreyasi Goenka, content head of DNA and Jagdeesh Chandra, CEO Zee Regional Channels.

As the mercury rose, so did the hordes visiting Diggi Palace.