Punjab BJP hails Centre's decision to review decision on 'Satluj' film
Chandigarh, July 7
Acting on the appeal of Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party President Kewal Singh Dhillon submitted to the government of India, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed a three-member review committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the removal of the Punjabi film "Satluj" from the OTT platform.
Welcoming the Centre's decision, Dhillon said in a statement that Punjab's cinema and its artists represent the voice, history and cultural identity of the people. When serious concerns were raised by members of the Punjabi film industry and the public about the manner in which "Satluj" was removed from OTT, he felt it was his responsibility to bring the matter to the government of India's attention.
He welcomed the Centre's prompt decision to refer the issue to a review committee, adding that due process, transparency and respect for Punjab's cultural and creative voices must always go hand in hand.
He expressed confidence that the committee would conduct a comprehensive review and said he remained committed to standing with Punjab's artists and its people on this issue.
Dhillon further said that while the rule of law must always be upheld, it is equally important that the genuine concerns of Punjab's film fraternity and the wider public receive a fair and objective hearing.
He added that the BJP Punjab would continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders to help ensure an expeditious and just resolution of the matter.
The state unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has condemned the removal of the film from the OTT platform, saying that the BJP and the Congress are working together to erase Congress's black history in Punjab and prevent the younger generation from learning the truth about one of the darkest chapters in the state's past.
AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu said the younger generation wants to know what happened in Punjab during 1978, 1984, the 1990s and other crucial periods. If they are denied access to books and documentaries, films become an important way to preserve historical truth.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm skeptical. The BJP is in power at the Centre, and now they're 'reviewing' their own decision? Feels like political drama. AAP is right - the youth deserves to know the truth about 1984 and the dark days of Punjab. Don't whitewash history! 📚
As an outsider looking in, this seems like a classic Indian political tug-of-war. BJP wants credit for being 'pro-Punjab culture,' AAP wants to use it as a political weapon. Meanwhile, the actual film and artists are stuck in the middle. Just release the movie and let people decide. 🍿
Komal bhai, let the committee do its job first. Removing a film without due process is wrong, but so is assuming the worst without knowing the full story. Punjab's history is complex - 1984, militancy, Operation Blue Star... these are sensitive topics. We need balanced storytelling, not propaganda from any side. 🎭
I'm from Punjab and I'm tired of politicians using our pain for votes. 1984 was a tragedy that affected so many families. If Satluj tells that story honestly, it deserves to be seen. But if it's just blame game, then no thanks. Show the truth, not agendas. 💔
BJP Punjab president making noise now? Where was this energy when the film was first removed? Feels like damage control before elections. But I'll give credit where due - at least they're acknowledging the issue. AAP is just as bad, trying to rewrite history for their own gain. The youth needs the truth, not political theatre. 🤷
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