Sadanand More, author and chairperson of the Maharashtra State Literature and Culture Board, on Wednesday said he cannot speak against the decision of the state government to withdraw an award announced for the Marathi translation of Maoist ideologue Kobad Ghandy’s memoir. Unlike some other members of the board who have resigned in protest, he would not step down, he told reporters in Pune.

A controversy erupted after the government on Monday withdrew the Late Yashwantrao Chavan Literature Award 2021 announced for Anagha Lele’s Marathi translation of Ghandy’s book Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir.

The government also scrapped the awards selection committee. More said the board’s scrutiny committee had recommended Lele’s book along with other books to Ganesh Visputey, member of the awards committee.

“But later Narendra Pathak, a member of the scrutiny committee, himself objected to the book, saying it glorifies Naxalite practices and therefore the award was later withdrawn,” More added.

Asked about some other members of the board resigning as a mark of protest, he said: “Since I am the chairperson of the board, I cannot run away or speak against the government’s decision.”