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Journalism of Courage
Playwright Vijay Tendulkar’s comment at a function in Dapoli that he would shoot Chief Minister Narendra Modi if given a pistol has landed him in trouble with the BJP Gujarat unit. Speaking to The Indian Express from Pune, Tendulkar said, ‘‘I do not wish to comment on the issue. It is a closed chapter.’’
The BJP unit organised demonstrations and burnt effigies of the playwright in six cities on Wednesday which, it promises, is only the beginning. Ahmedabad BJP unit chief Mayaben Kodnani said the party was planning to sue Tendulkar. ‘‘We are seeking legal advice,’’ she said. BJP sources said until Tendulkar tenders an apology, they will continue protests and gherao him at public functions.
At a function organised by More Kutumbiya Ani Ladghar Gramsanstha at Dapoli on Monday, student Gauri Vaidya had asked Tendulkar what he would do if given a pistol.
He reportedly said: ‘‘Even society praises a man who kills someone, who has destroyed the lives of hundreds. This is a crime and death by hanging should be the final punishment. The list of those I want to kill is very long, but I will shoot Modi if I am given a pistol.’’
Gujarat BJP unit chief Rajendrasinh Rana: ‘‘Such remarks clearly show he wants cheap publicity. A literary person always strives to spread peace and happiness in the society by his thoughts, but he has attempted to spread violent ideology.’’
Supporting the burning of Tendulkar’s effigy, Maharashtra BJP general secretary Vinod Tawade said: ‘‘Of course, they will burn his effigy. How can an acclaimed writer like Tendulkar make such an irresponsible and careless statement?’’
Echoing the BJP, Shiv Sena’s MP Sanjay Nirupam said: ‘‘Has the might of the ink died that he wants to use the pistol now? We condemn the statement. If people like him came down to violence what will happen to society?’’
