Gujarat government removes poem from Diwali magazine

The Gujarat government has removed a poem by Aziz Tankarvi from the online edition of its annual Diwali publication, ‘Gujarat Deepotsavi Ank’, following objections from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The VHP alleged that the composition contained objectionable references to Lord Ram and the Bhakti saint Meera Bai, claiming the content hurt Hindu sentiments. The organization noted that the inclusion was particularly inappropriate for a Diwali magazine, as the festival commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.

In response to a formal complaint sent to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state’s Information and Broadcasting Department replaced the poem with a composition titled ‘Joiye’ by Kavi Prakash ‘Jalal’. A VHP spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the government’s prompt action. The VHP has also called for a review of authors’ previous works to ensure future government publications feature writers with a positive outlook toward the nation, religion, and culture.