Click to play videoNew Delhi: Booker winning author Salman Rushdie's video conference was cancelled amidst high drama and following protests by Muslim groups at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Tuesday. The cancellation raises questions on not just the state government, but also the organisers and the freedom of expression.
IBN18 Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai's take on the row:
With their supine approach, the Congress government in Rajasthan and the Centre clearly has been embarrassed by the Rushdie controversy. Preventing Rushdie from coming to India won't get it Muslim votes, but succumbing to fringe pressure groups will undermine its credibility to be the arbiter of the rule of law.
No one has come out of the controversy looking good, neither the politicians, nor even the organisers who seemed to bend all too easily.
But on the eve of the 63rd Republic Day, what has lost out above everything else is the idea of India.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
 |
 |
 |
|
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
