Several Marathi writers and artists today gathered here to protest against the voices being raised over "intolerance" in the country.

Those who attended the meeting, held to condemn these protests, included Sachidanand Shewade, Abhiram Bhadkamkar and artist Suhas Bahulkar among others.

Noted artist Vasudeo Kamat was to participate in this event but he attended a similar event in New Delhi today, an organiser told PTI.

Noted industrialist Shriram Dandekar was also present at the gathering, organised by Vivek Jagaran Manch.

Convener of the Manch, Shirish Deshpande, alleged that the intolerance debate is an attempt to malign the image of the country and is intended to target the government at the Centre.

"Writers who value the awards more than their writing participated in the event," Deshpande said.

"Those protesting today in the name of intolerance are the same people who supported Indira Gandhi when Emergency was imposed," he alleged.