Is Girgaum's literary association in the throes of politics?
The prestigious institution in Girgaon, which has been serving Marathi literature and theater for the past nine decades, the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, is currently in the news due to the tense atmosphere of the elections. There are allegations of increased political interference in this election due to the active participation of Skill Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha. As a result, the question arises in literary circles whether the 'Marathiness' of the Sahitya Sangh will be in danger in the future.
This institution, established by Dr. A. N. Bhalerao in 1935, has accomplished many historical feats from literary conferences to theater construction. Founder Bhalerao and his son Dr. Bal Bhalerao expanded the literary association like a banyan tree. However, there is talk that political figures have their eyes on this institution today, creating a sense of concern about its existence.
In this election, two major panels are facing each other: the Bhalerao Vichar Manch led by actor Pramod Pawar and the Urja Panel led by Prof. Usha Tambe. 1400 voters will decide who will occupy important positions such as president, vice-president, and regulatory board. However, serious allegations and counter-allegations have begun, such as hiding ballots and confusing voters in this process.
After Lodha's voting photograph was published on social media, discussions have increased about Bhalerao Manch having BJP's support. There are allegations that developers have an eye on the organization's old building, and there is a fear that this place, like other institutions' spaces in Girgaon, might also be 'lost'.
The energy panel includes names like Sudesh Hinglaspurkar, Vijay Kenkre, Anupama Ujgare, while Bhalerao Manch includes people like Narendra Pathak, Pramod Pawar, Jayraj Salgaonkar. Due to such culturally and politically charged battles, everyone is watching whether the Girgaon Sahitya Sangh will remain 'Marathi' in the future or will it merely become a victim of political intervention.