Ahmedabad: The stage play ‘I Am Nathuram Godse’, scheduled to be performed on the night of February 9 at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium near Sindhu Bhavan, has been cancelled following intense protests by NSUI and Youth Congress workers across the city.

Organisers called off the show citing security concerns after protests, sloganeering, and demonstrations held on February 8. Reports indicate that nearly 75% of the tickets had already been sold before the decision to cancel was taken. Despite the cancellation, NSUI has said its opposition will continue and that protests may still be held.

NSUI leader Chirag Darji reiterated the organisation’s strong objection, stating that Ahmedabad, closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, cannot allow any portrayal perceived as glorifying his assassin. He had earlier warned of demonstrations at the venue if the programme was not withdrawn.

The controversy in Ahmedabad follows similar incidents elsewhere in Gujarat. In Jamnagar, a Godse-based play scheduled at the Town Hall was cancelled after Congress protests, while in Rajkot, demonstrations at Hemu Gadhvi Hall allegedly turned disruptive, leading to police detentions and cancellation of the performance with ticket refunds announced.

Responding earlier to the objections, producer Sejal Painter had maintained that the play does not glorify violence or insult Mahatma Gandhi, but instead presents Godse’s perspective while conveying that he deserves punishment for Gandhi’s killing. She had urged critics to watch the play before forming an opinion.

With the Ahmedabad show now cancelled amid mounting protests, the controversy surrounding the production continues across parts of Gujarat. DeshGujarat