Kolkata: A fresh controversy has erupted in West Bengal over exiled writer Taslima Nasrin’s novel 'Lajja'. A play based on the book, scheduled to be staged at theatre festivals in Gobardanga and Pandua,

Taslima Nasrin’s play Lajja was banned by West Bengal Police due to concerns over potential Muslim riots. The author questions the rationale behind the ban and criticizes the government for suppressing artistic expression while failing to hold those inciting violence accountable.

Taslima Nasrin claims West Bengal government forced cancellation of Lajja play at theatre festivals, citing concerns over communal riots.

KOLKATA: Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin accused the West Bengal government of stifling the voice of artistes and writers, claiming that the play 'Lajja' (Shame), adapted from her novel, was forced to be cancelled at two theatre festivals in the state.

Taslima Nasrin alleged that police intervened at the Gobardanga Natyoutsav in North 24 Parganas and the Pandua Natyoutsav in Hooghly, pressuring organisers to remove the play from the schedule, citing concerns that it could provoke communal riots.

While backing the claim, BJP Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also alleged that Banerjee has ignored attacks on Hindu places of worship and desecration of idols in West Bengal while silencing intellectuals who oppose her policies.

Nasrin claimed that the play 'Lajja' (Shame), adapted from her novel, was forced to be cancelled at two theatre festivals in the state.