Prasoon Joshi opts out of Jaipur Literature Festival as Karni Sena threat looms

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi will not attend the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) this year. The CBFC chief took the decision in the wake of the threat issued to him by fringe group Rajput Karni Sena for clearing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film, Padmaavat.

The Karni Snea had warned Joshi that he wouldn’t be welcome in Rajasthan. Not wanting any trouble during the festival, the CBFC chief pulled out of the event.

“Will not be attending JLF this year and must say will miss sharing great moments with literature and poetry lovers. I am doing this so that the dignity of the event does not get compromised or discomfort caused either to the organisers, fellow writers or the attendees. And also so that the lovers of literature get to focus on creativity and not controversy,” Joshi said in a statement issued by the festival.

Joshi was scheduled to participate in a session titled 'Main aur Woh: Conversations with Myself' on 28 January between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

The Rajput Karni Sena had been demanding a ban on Padmaavat. However, the CBFC didn’t pay heed to their outrageous demands. Despite clearance from the CBFC and later the Supreme Court, the threat of vandalism has resulted in Padmaavat not being released in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.