Exclusive: Author Sandeep Deo withdraws 6 books, 9 titles after Bloomsbury row

Sandeep Deo, who is considered as the first writer to publish the book under Bloomsbury has withdrawn his all upcoming books including nine titles. He accused the left group including some prominent journalists and political leaders behind the Bloomsbury decision.

New Delhi: Days after the publisher Bloomsbury India withdraw the publication of its book "Delhi Riots 2020: The Untold Story", Sandeep Deo, who is considered as the first writer to publish the book under Bloomsbury has withdrawn his all upcoming books including nine titles.

A storm had been brewing since late Friday after a purported invitation on social media, with the Bloomsbury logo at its bottom left, stated that BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav would launch the book with party leader Kapil Mishra through the virtual event.

In response to this, Bloomsbury issued a statement on Friday evening denying it was involved in the launch, saying, "The webinar has not been organised or sponsored by Bloomsbury India. We strongly support freedom of speech but also has a deep sense of responsibility towards society."

While speaking over the controversy, Sandeep Deo, in an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat said that he has withdrawn his six books and nine titles which were scheduled to launch in the coming years soon after he got to know about the recent developments.

"The publication house has trampled the Indian writers’ right to expression after they were pressurised from its office based in Britain. It reflects its colonial mindset," said Deo.

Further, he added that before the publication of the book – Delhi Riots-2020 – which is mired in controversy, the publishing house had brought out 'Shaheen Bagh: From A Protest To A Movement’ but Bloomsbury India didn’t put any ban on it. But it has banned the publication of the book on Delhi riots.

He accused the left group including some prominent journalists and political leaders for the Bloomsbury decision.

When asked about using the picture of BJP leader Kapil Mishra, who is allegedly an accused of inciting February Delhi violence to be the reason for the publisher's decision of stepping back, Deo said, "The editorial and legal team reviews the book before it goes for mass printing. The entire procedure was followed in connection with the latest book. When it was found that there was nothing objectionable in the book, it was sent for publication. Not only this, but all the authors concerned were also given 100 copies as well. The publisher was even provided with the list of guests, who had been invited for the book release function. They were also informed a week in advance about the book release function and the posters to be used on the occasion. At that time, Bloomsbury India did not have any objection at all. They withdrew themselves only when the people of a particular ideology made a hue and cry on the social media platforms."

Now, the author has given the contract to the Haryana-based publication Garuda Prakashan. As per the publisher, they got over 15,000 orders in a single day, added Deo.