Chavan hits out at Centre over writers' protest, ink attack

Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan today condemned Narendra Modi-led NDA government over a spate of current events in the country, including the writers' protest and the ink-attack on Sudheendra Kulkarni, stating that the situation could become "explosive" if the trend continues.
"The BJP is trying to divide people on lines of caste and religion. The government should be condemned for the way writers are giving back their awards in protest. If this continues, the situation will turn explosive," Chavan, who now heads the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) said.
At least 28 writers, poets, playwrights and translators have so far returned their Sahitya Akademi award with Punjabi writer Dalip Kaur Tiwana handing over her Padma Shri award against the "rising intolerance" in the country.

Chavan criticised Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for felicitating those involved in the 'ink-attack' on ORF's Sudheendra Kulkarni.
"Felicitating those involved in the attack was certainly not good in taste," Chavan said.
The Congress leader also attacked the Maharashtra government for allegedly giving clean chit to Sanathan Sanstha activist Sameer Gaikwad, who has been arrested in Govind Pansare murder case.