BBC Documentary on Modi - Summary
The BBC Documentary on Modi has stirred significant discussions regarding its portrayal of events surrounding the Gujarat riots. The documentary was found to potentially undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity, impacting its friendly relations with foreign states and public order within the country, as reported by sources to Hindustan Times.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding the Documentary
The documentary produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the UK’s public broadcaster, has been described by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as a “propaganda piece” lacking objectivity and reflective of a colonial mindset. Although the BBC has not made it available in India, various YouTube channels have uploaded it, which seems to promote an anti-India agenda. Reports suggest that YouTube has been instructed to block any re-uploads of the video, and Twitter has been directed to identify and block tweets containing links to the documentary.
BBC Documentary on Modi – Exploring the Gujarat Riots
A documentary by the BBC has revisited the tragic 2002 Gujarat riots and the UK government’s subsequent investigation. An MEA official emphasized that this documentary reflects a “colonial mindset” of the agencies and individuals behind it. The documentary revisits the riots and covers related cases, including the murder of former Gujarat Home Minister Haren Pandya and the alleged police’s inaction during the violence. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that Indian authorities would not wish to “dignify” such a documentary.
Mr. Bagchi pointed out the apparent bias and lack of objectivity in the documentary, asserting that it reflects poorly on those promoting this narrative. Importantly, the BBC has not screened the film in India.
The film, titled “India: The Modi Question”, discusses the inquiry conducted by the UK government under Prime Minister Tony Blair concerning the riots, which resulted in casualties including at least three Indian-origin British citizens. The documentary highlights serious allegations that then-Chief Minister Modi had a role in the violence by pulling back police forces and tacitly encouraging extremist actions. Former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw articulates these claims in the film, which describes the significant concern raised in the UK regarding the mass violence that unfolded over three days starting from February 28, 2002.
This BBC Documentary on Modi continues to evoke strong reactions and highlights the complexity of narratives concerning historical events in India. For those looking to explore this topic further, a PDF download summarizing the key points of the documentary is available below.