BBC Documentary on Modi - Summary
The BBC Documentary on Modi has sparked discussions about its portrayal of the Gujarat riots. This documentary has been seen as potentially undermining India’s sovereignty and integrity, affecting its friendships with other countries and the public order at home, according to reports from Hindustan Times.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding the Documentary
The documentary from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which is the UK’s public broadcaster, has been called a “propaganda piece” by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). They claim it lacks objectivity and reflects a colonial mindset. Although the BBC hasn’t released it officially in India, various YouTube channels have uploaded it, seemingly promoting an anti-India agenda. It has been reported that YouTube has been asked to block any re-uploads, and Twitter is working to identify and remove tweets that contain links to the documentary.
BBC Documentary on Modi – Exploring the Gujarat Riots
This documentary revisits the tragic 2002 Gujarat riots and the investigation that followed by the UK government. An MEA official pointed out that it shows a “colonial mindset” from those behind it. The film discusses the riots and examines related cases, like the murder of former Gujarat Home Minister Haren Pandya and the alleged inaction of the police during the violence. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi mentioned that Indian authorities choose not to “dignify” such a documentary.
Mr. Bagchi highlighted the apparent bias and lack of objectivity in the film, suggesting that it reflects poorly on those pushing this narrative. Notably, the BBC has not shown the film in India.
Titled “India: The Modi Question”, the documentary talks about the inquiry led by then-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair concerning the riots, which resulted in the loss of lives, including at least three British citizens of Indian origin. The film raises serious allegations that the then-Chief Minister Modi played a role in the violence by withdrawing police forces and indirectly supporting extremist actions. Former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw presents these claims in the documentary, which highlights significant concerns in the UK about the mass violence that took place over three days starting from February 28, 2002.
This BBC Documentary on Modi continues to stir strong reactions and underlines the complexity of historical narratives in India. For those interested in delving deeper into this topic, a PDF summarizing the key points of the documentary is available for download below.