Famous Urdu poet boycotts DD Mushaira over Narang's presence

New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) Famous Urdu poet and president of left body Left body Janawadi Lekhak Sangh Zuber Rizvi today boycotted a Doordarshan-sponsored Mushaira protesting against the presence of Sahitya Akademi chief Gopi Chand Narang who was to preside over the event.

The Mushaira 'being telecast live' had been organised by the Urdu Channel of Doordarshan.

''There are several charges of corruption in the Sahitya Akademi regarding which I have given a memoranda to the country's previous and present ministers of culture. Besides, my organisation has been carrying on a campaign against its president on ideological grounds,'' he told UNI.

Doordarshan should not have invited such a controversial person for presiding over the event, he added.

The poet said he had been invited only a day back and the invitation letter did not carry the name of Dr Narang as president.

He came to know of this only on reaching the venue when his name was announced.

Doordarshan authorities were not immediately available for comment.

UNI