Kolhapur: Threat calls demanding the withdrawal of rationalist Govind Pansare's book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have escalated following a late-night, expletive-laden call allegedly made by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, the book's publisher claimed on Monday.
Prashant Ambi, of Sau Publication, one of the three publishers of Pansare's 1988 book, stated that he receives hundreds of calls daily. While many express support, some contain threats. "These people often call from the same numbers. They demand changes to the book or its withdrawal from circulation. I have prepared a list of such numbers and am going to register a complaint against the callers," said Ambi.
Gaikwad had objected to the book's title, claiming it disrespects Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by using only his first name. Kolhapur police have registered a non-cognizable offence against the MLA in connection with the issue.
Ambi noted that alongside the threats, public support for the book has sharply increased, resulting in a surge in demand. However, all existing copies across the three publishing houses — Sau Publication, Lokvangmay Gruha, and Shramik Pratishthan — are currently sold out. On Monday morning, left supporters gathered at Bindu Chowk in Kolhapur to burn an effigy of Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but the police intervened and seized the effigy. The protesters, including Ambi, were briefly detained. Left leader Girish Phonde said a protest rally would be held in Buldhana, Gaikwad's hometown, on Tuesday, along with a public reading of selected chapters from the book.
The publishers have the right to print the book in 24 languages. They said the book has seen its demand spike whenever controversy arises. According to Ambi, the book is currently in its 150th edition, has sold in lakhs over the years, and now faces an estimated demand of 80,000 copies.
