RAJASTHAN GOVERNMENT is playing the dumb audience, claiming that they don’t have any clue in the controversy sorrounding Salman Rushdie and the Jaipur Literature Festival. They are trying their best to play safe in the matter. As reported by CNN-IBN, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “We do not have any reports of him coming here. We received all information through media reports (on Salman Rushdie’s visit). Some people met us in Jaipur. We don't know what he is up to. It's is a matter of concern.” He also added that the locals do not want the author to visit the state.

 

After much debate whether he should be included in the Jaipur Literature Festival or not, the author is not saying anything. Normally very articulate, this time he is waiting rather than doing. Twitter on the other hand is adding to the whole mayhem. People are tweeting that the Indian Government is pulling out at the last minute, from including the Booker prize winner author in a compromise to the extremists. Famous names in media as well as some progressive readers are against the banning of the author and they are being very vocal about it.

 

It so happens that the Rajasthan Government wants to avoid trouble and they have convinced organisers of the Jaipur Literature Festival to ask Rushdie to call off his visit, as reported by ibnlive.in.com. Initially, it was decided that Salman Rushdie would speak on January 20 and 21. The organisers, in a statement, said that due to change of schedule, Salman Rushdie would not be in India on January 20 but their invitation to the award winning author stands. The festival producer Sanjoy Roy was very clear when he said, "Salman Rushdie is coming. Nothing has changed. We have shifted the dates."