SHIMLA: Commenting on the “56 inch chest” of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi at
Shimla International Literature Festival-2019 landed Tehseen Poonawala on
sticky wicket with local people fiercely opposing him for his comment and asked him to apologise. Supporters of education, law and parliamentary affairs minister
Suresh Bhardwaj, who was present as chief guest during the debate on
Kashmir issue, also objected to the comment made by Poonawala.
While participating in the debate on Kashmir issue, Poonawala said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about “56 inch chest” but reaches at the home of
Pakistan Prime Minister to wish him on his birthday. He said that it does not seem that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants Kashmir issue to be resolved.
This comment of Poonawala irked the BJP supporters and minister Suresh Bhardwaj alike and atmosphere remained charged up for a while as people objected to the comments of Poonawala as people not only demanded him to apologise but they were also demanded him to be thrown out of debate.
Organisers of the Shimla International Literature Festival tried to pacify the protestors and somehow managed to continue with the debate.
Earlier the festival was inaugurated on a musical note with artists performing folk dance. The theme of the festival this time is “The World Of Dreams of Imagination” and many faces of
Bollywood including writers, artists and directors are also participating in it.