PTI JAIPUR/ NEW DELHI CONTROVERSIAL writer Salman Rushdie may not attend the Jaipur Literature Festival beginning on Friday, informed sources said on Tuesday, as a leading Muslim scholar asked him to apologize for hurting Muslim sentiments.

Although there is no official announcement yet, the sources told IANS that the British Indian novelist may keep away from the January 20-24 event scheduled at the Diggi Palace Hotel.

The sources gave no details but spoke as Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot told home minister P Chidambaram in Delhi that Rushdie’s presence could spark off trouble.

Muslim groups have come out against the visit by Rushdie, whose fourth novel, The Satanic Verses (1988), led to major protests from Muslims in many countries after a ‘fatwa’ by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989. Organisers of the popular Jaipur Literature Festival admitted that Rushdie “will not attend” the first day of the event.

He was supposed to reach Jaipur on January 20 and address two literary sessions.

The event’s producer Sanjay Roy said in a two-line statement: “Rushdie will not be in India Jan 20 due to a change in his schedule. The festival stands by its invitation to the author.” The organisers were mum over whether he will attend the festival or not.

Nearly 250 authors from the world, including celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, will take part in the festival.

Gehlot told reporters in Delhi: “We don’t have any official communication when he is coming... but minorities in the state are protesting against it. I have informed him (Chidambaram) about the situation.

“It is a famous festival. I am sure organisers ... would not want anything to happen that affects the whole festival. I hope we work out something so that things don’t turn ugly.