Rajnath Singh’s talks offer evokes mixed reaction;HM ready to discuss with writers & scientists

NEW DELHI|BENGALURU: Eminent writers and scientists who have been returning awards to protest against what they say is rising intolerance in the country have responded with mixed reactions to home minister Rajnath Singh’s offer to discuss their concerns.

On Monday, in an interview to ET, Rajnath Singh had extended an open invitation for dialogue with artistes and scientists returning their awards, saying he was willing to “sit a whole day” to discuss their concerns on intolerance. “I am ready to set aside everything else and sit down a whole day with them. I will welcome them to come and highlight the reasons they feel have given rise to intolerance.” Singh, however, questioned why awards weren’t returned when bigger communal riots took place under different governments in the country. “Still, if they feel, I think, in a democracy we must have a discussion.”

Eminent writer Nayantara Sahgal, whose returning of her Sahitya Akademi Award on October 6 in a way triggered the movement, said the “Prime minister and not Rajnath Singh” needs to address the concerns being voiced collectively by many sections of people. “The whole country— historians, artists, writers, students, scientists— are waiting for the PM to speak.He has not said one word about it till now. The buck stops with the PM. He has to speak up,” she told ET.

A similar view was espoused by Bharat Ratna scientist CNR Rao who said, “I think the Prime Minister should hold a dialogue with litterateurs and scientists and all the other people talking about this issue rather than Rajnath Singh.”

Several others, however, have welcomed Rajnath Singh’s offer. Noted litterateur Shashi Deshpande, who resigned from the Sahitya Akademi General Council last month, said it was never too late to talk about issues. “I welcome the move for dialogue.”

Punjabi writer Surjit Patar said it was a welcome change that “the government is finally willing to acknowledge that there was something going wrong… There is nothing wrong in talking.”