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Maharashtra CM Fadnavis: "Politics Should Stay Out of Literature" at Literary Meet

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the 99th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, firmly stating that politics should not interfere with literature. He welcomed writers into politics but urged them not to bring political agendas into literary spaces. Fadnavis defended constructive criticism from the literary community, viewing it as a path to improvement. He also apologized for being on his phone during the event, citing the pressing demands of the BMC election nominations.

Key Points: CM Fadnavis: No Politics in Literature at Marathi Sahitya Sammelan

  • Pledge against political interference in literature
  • Call for writers to enter politics but not politicize literature
  • Defense of criticism as a tool for improvement
  • Apology for phone use due to BMC election crisis
2 min read

'Politics should stay out of literature': Maha CM Fadnavis at Marathi Sahitya Sammelan

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis pledges no political interference in literature at the 99th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, urging writers to keep politics separate.

'Politics should stay out of literature': Maha CM Fadnavis at Marathi Sahitya Sammelan
"I want to clarify that we have no interest in bringing politics into literature. As long as I am the Chief Minister, I will ensure there is no political interference in this field. - Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis"

Satara, Jan 2

The 99th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was officially inaugurated on Friday in Maharashtra's Satara, with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis present at the event.

Addressing the gathering of writers and intellectuals, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to maintain a clear boundary between the world of politics and the sanctity of literature.

​Responding to the long-standing debate over political presence on literary platforms, Chief Minister Fadnavis assured the literary community that his administration has no intention of interfering in their work.

​"The Literary Meet serves as a compass for society, and the Presidential address sets the direction for the coming year. I want to clarify that we have no interest in bringing politics into literature. As long as I am the Chief Minister, I will ensure there is no political interference in this field," he said.

​The Chief Minister also requested the literary fraternity, adding: "I welcome writers to enter politics, but I urge you not to bring politics into literature."

​On criticism and the future of Marathi, Chief Minister Fadnavis lauded the contributions of Marathi scholars in enriching the language, asserting that the pride of the Marathi language will remain as long as "the sun and moon exist".

​Speaking on the role of literature in society, he noted: "Literature is not merely for entertainment but to expand social consciousness."

Chief Minister Fadnavis remarked that he does not take offence at criticism from the literary world.

"If criticism is valid, it shows us a path to improvement. I am not one to live in a fool's paradise believing I know everything," he said.

​In a rare candid moment, the Chief Minister apologised to the people for frequently using his mobile phone while seated on the dais.

He said that the interruption was due to the high-stakes political developments occurring simultaneously.

​"Today is the final day for withdrawing nomination papers for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. There is so much rebellion across all parties that candidates won't withdraw unless persuaded personally. I was on the phone requesting party workers to withdraw their forms," Chief Minister Fadnavis added.

​He quipped that despite the distraction, he was "multitasking" keeping a keen ear on the speeches delivered on stage while managing political crises over the phone.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Easier said than done! How can politics stay out of literature when society and politics are so deeply intertwined? A writer's work reflects the times. Still, the assurance against direct interference is welcome. Let's see if this holds in practice.
A
Arjun K
His words about Marathi language pride are heartening. As a Marathi manoos, I feel proud. But the real test is supporting Marathi medium schools and publishing. Action matters more than speeches at Sammelans. Jai Maharashtra! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. In many countries, the line between art and politics is constantly debated. His candid admission about multitasking during the event is very relatable in today's connected world, even if it wasn't the most polite thing to do.
V
Vikram M
"I welcome writers to enter politics, but I urge you not to bring politics into literature." This is a clever, one-sided argument. It essentially says politicians can shape the narrative, but writers shouldn't question it. The power dynamic remains skewed.
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Meera T
Literature expands social consciousness – absolutely true. A good sentiment. Hope this means more funding for public libraries and literary festivals across the state, not just in major cities. Culture needs grassroots support.

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