Doordarshan’s decision to broadcast the controversial film ‘The Kerala Story’ on Friday has sparked outrage and opposition from various political groups and cine lovers in the state. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor condemned the move, calling it ‘utterly shameful’ and stating that the film spreads lies about Kerala’s social harmony and co-existence.
The Congress has taken action against the decision, approaching the Election Commission of India and accusing it of being a ‘tacit effort’ to divide society on religious grounds for the ruling BJP’s electoral gain. Both the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress in Kerala have strongly protested against the decision.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan has written to the Election Commission, urging them to direct Doordarshan to withdraw the decision to telecast the ‘malicious’ film. He believes that ‘The Kerala Story’ is part of a propaganda agenda to divide the country along communal lines.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also condemned the decision, warning that it would only worsen communal tensions ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. He called on Doordarshan not to become a ‘propaganda machine’ for the BJP and RSS.
In response, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has announced plans to organize a protest march to the Doordarshan office in the state capital. Cine lovers have also expressed their disappointment, with one user lamenting that Doordarshan has become a tool in the hands of the BJP.