The prestigious 99th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, inaugurated in Satara on Friday, has been rocked by controversy and unexpected incidents on its opening days, casting a shadow over the grand literary gathering.
Ink Attack on Executive President Sparks Outrage
The literary meet's proceedings took a shocking turn on Saturday afternoon when a man threw a black-coloured liquid on the face of Vinod Kulkarni, the executive president of the Sammelan. The incident occurred just after Kulkarni had stepped down from the podium following a book publishing event.
The assailant, identified as Sandip Jadhav from Tandulwadi village in Satara's Koregaon tehsil, reportedly shouted slogans of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" and recited the National Anthem before being swiftly apprehended by the police. He was later arrested, and an FIR was being filed on Saturday evening.
Organisers of the event, the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, claimed that Jadhav was carrying a weapon. Vinod Kulkarni was immediately taken to a hospital for a medical check-up as a precaution, fearing the liquid could have damaged his eyes. Chandrakant Beble, an organiser, confirmed that a complaint was filed at the Shahupuri police station, who assured protection for the president and others.
Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale, who is hosting the three-day meet, strongly condemned the attack, praising Kulkarni's role in organising the event.
Sahitya Akademi Winner Barred for Wearing Black
Prior to the ink attack, the sammelan faced criticism for an alleged dress code enforcement. On Friday, the very day Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the event, renowned author and Sahitya Akademi Award winner Pradeep Kokare claimed he was stopped from entering the venue.
Kokare, whose book ‘Khol Khol Dushkal Dole' won the Sahitya Akademi award for 2025, stated that police personnel at the gate denied him entry because he was wearing a black shirt. "They told me black clothing was not allowed as CM Fadnavis was attending the event," Kokare revealed.
Despite arguing that he was representing a publishing house with two stalls at the meet and wished to interact with readers, the police stood firm on the ban. Kokare expressed his dismay, stating that if black is considered a symbol of protest, organisers should have mentioned it clearly on the invitation.
"I never imagined such a diktat would be enforced at a literary meet. This is nonsensical. If black colour is equated with rebellion at a literary meet, and if people are judged based on the colour of their clothes, then such an incident is not good for democracy," the award-winning author remarked.
Police Cite Security Concerns
When questioned about the black shirt restriction, Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Joshi provided context. He explained that the police force had received memorandums and intelligence inputs suggesting that black flags might be shown to the Chief Minister during the event.
"As a precautionary measure, black shirts etc. were not allowed at the event," SP Joshi stated, framing the decision as a security protocol rather than a literary censorship issue.
The back-to-back incidents—the physical attack on a key organiser and the contentious dress code—have sparked a debate on security versus freedom of expression at cultural and intellectual conclaves in India. The 99th edition of the historic Marathi literary meet continues in Satara, but its initial days will be remembered for this unprecedented drama.
