A closed-door event in Surat, Gujarat, scheduled to discuss the book ‘Usne Gandhi Ko Kyon Mara’ by Delhi-based historian and poet Ashok Kumar Pandey, was cancelled on Thursday after police warned organisers of potential law and order consequences. The event, titled ‘Godse ne Gandhi ko kyon mara’ (Why did Godse kill Gandhi), was being hosted by local NGOs Prarthna Sangh and Maitri Trust at Rotary Hall, Nanpura.
According to the police, the organisers had not sought prior permission, which they claim is mandatory, even for a closed-door programme, when public sentiment and topic sensitivity are considered. Surat police raised concerns that discussions around Gandhi's assassination could trigger unrest if video footage from the event were to circulate online.
Police Intervention and Hall Pressure
Kalpesh Patel, manager of the Jeevan Bharti Trust that runs Rotary Hall, said the police contacted them on Wednesday night, seeking confirmation on permission for the event. “They warned us of action if the programme went ahead without police clearance,” he said. “We informed the organisers, who then agreed to cancel the programme.”
Police inspector H.K. Solanki clarified, “As per rules, for any event that could have social implications, organisers must take permission. The topic of this event could have serious repercussions.”
Prarthna Sangh had paid a deposit of ₹25,000 to book the venue ten days earlier. However, the organisers were forced to drop the plan following police intervention and pressure on hall authorities.
Organisers Call It a Blow to Freedom of Expression
Professor Hemant Kumar Shah, one of the speakers, condemned the cancellation. “It is shameful that we cannot even discuss Gandhi’s murder openly. It violates the constitutional right to free speech. We have had successful events in Ahmedabad and Vadodara. Why is Surat being singled out?” he said.
The event was to feature Prof. Shah and his son Atman Shah, also an academic. The duo had prepared a script based on Ashok Kumar Pandey’s book to offer a quick yet educational overview of the events leading to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination by Nathuram Godse.
Professor Kishor Desai of Prarthna Sangh said, “We even met the Surat Police Commissioner on April 23 and extended an invitation. Yet, we were told at the last moment to obtain permission or cancel. It appears there was external pressure on the trustees.”
Series of Events Held Earlier Without Issues
This cancelled event would have been the fourth in a series on the same subject. Previous events were held on January 30 and April 11 in Ahmedabad, and April 13 in Vadodara. All were well-received by attendees, organisers claimed.
Dr Ashok Kumar Pandey, the author, was present during the book unveiling in Ahmedabad. His Hindi book Usne Gandhi Ko Kyon Mara investigates the ideological motivations and political atmosphere surrounding Gandhi's assassination in 1948.
Professor Shah added, “Our objective is purely educational. We don’t engage in political propaganda. We aim to help people understand the truth behind Gandhi’s killing.”
Rising Sensitivities Around Historical Discourse
The incident highlights the growing sensitivity around public discourse involving historical events and political ideologies. In an era of heightened surveillance and polarised opinions, even academic or literary discussions are increasingly coming under scrutiny.
While police insist the intent was to ensure public safety, civil society voices argue that such cancellations raise questions about democratic freedoms and the narrowing space for free dialogue in the country.