In a recent turn of events, India’s public broadcaster Doordarshan has stirred controversy by choosing to air ‘The Kerala Story’ on DD National, a film that has been criticized for its propagandist narrative. Directed by Sudipto Sen, the film purportedly portrays Kerala as a hub for Islamic State recruitment, sparking outrage and condemnation from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, has long been mired in controversy for its contentious portrayal of Kerala as a hotbed for Islamic State recruitment. The film, which initially claimed that thousands of women from Kerala were being lured into joining the Islamic State, was met with skepticism and criticism upon its release.
Prominent leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) praised the film and even organized special screenings, raising concerns about its potential to stoke communal tensions. Despite facing backlash, Doordarshan’s decision to broadcast the film on a national platform has reignited the debate surrounding its agenda and implications.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has vehemently condemned the move, asserting that the national news broadcaster should not serve as a propaganda tool for any political entity, particularly the BJP-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) combine. He emphasized that such actions only serve to exacerbate communal tensions, especially in the lead-up to general elections.
While the government has remained silent on the issue, former CEO of Prasar Bharati responded to Vijayan’s criticism, further fueling the discourse surrounding the controversial broadcast.
Conclusion:
The decision by Doordarshan to air ‘The Kerala Story’ has sparked widespread condemnation, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan leading the charge against what he perceives as a blatant attempt to promote a partisan agenda. As the debate rages on, the incident underscores the importance of upholding journalistic integrity and impartiality, particularly in the realm of public broadcasting.
