New Delhi / Thiruvananthapuram ∙ The central government and the BJP have been criticized by the opposition for taking up the propaganda of a BBC documentary alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The media campaign of the documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ was banned by the Center last week, but it was screened across Kerala yesterday.
The movement of leftist student organizations to protest at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University resulted in stone pelting and clashes. After the authorities cut off electricity and Wi-Fi at night, the students staged a demonstration on laptops and mobile phones, but a section pelted them with stones.
The situation turned tense when the students detained two ABVP workers accusing them of stone pelting. The students marched to the Vasantkunj police station in protest against not taking them into custody. Later, the police held a discussion with the student representatives. After the assurance of the police to take action, the students ended their protest in the morning.
The documentary was screened most widely in Kerala; DYFI, SFI, Youth Congress and AIIF led the way. With the BJP and the Yuva Morcha opposing each other, clashes broke out in some places. BJP workers were arrested.
The first exhibition in the state was conducted by SFI in the morning at Thiruvananthapuram Law College. In the evening, water cannons were fired at BJP workers who came to stop the demonstration at Poojapura. Exhibitions were held at 17 centers in Palakkad district, 11 centers in Pathanamthitta and 10 centers in Kasaragod. There were exhibitions in Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.
KPCC president K. Sudhakaran announced that the Congress will screen the documentary throughout the state. However, the BBC claims that it has been prepared through detailed research.
Anil Antony in controversy
Anil K. Antony, the son of senior leader AK Antony, posted a tweet against the BBC which caused controversy in the Congress. Anil said that it is dangerous for people in India to prioritize the views of the BBC over Indian institutions and undermine the country’s sovereignty. Anil Antony works in the digital communications department of AICC and KPCC.
KPCC president K. Sudhakaran clarified that the statements made by any persons have nothing to do with the party while the reorganization of the digital cell is about to be completed. Youth Congress state president Shafi Parampil and others came forward rejecting Anil’s position.
Content Highlight: BBC Controversial Documentary on 2002 Gujarat riot
