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bbc documentary on modi

BBC Documentary On Modi

by James William August 23, 2023

written by James William

The bbc documentary on modi is a two-part series that examines Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, where more than 1,000 people were killed. The film cites a UK government report that holds Modi responsible, but his government has blocked the documentary online and used emergency powers to arrest students who hosted screenings.

The First Part

The first part of the two-part documentary aired last week. It looks at Modi’s time as chief minister of India’s western state of Gujarat in 2002 during anti-Muslim riots that killed more than 1,000 people.

The bbc documentary on modi India: The Modi Question examines allegations against the current prime minister that he failed to do enough to stop the violence. It cites an unpublished British government report that says Modi was directly responsible for the climate of impunity that enabled the violence. The BBC also talks to the man who wrote that report, then Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party denies the charges. It says the documentary is biased and that the BBC has a “hidden agenda.” A government spokesperson called the documentary “propaganda,” saying it lacks objectivity and pushes a “discredited narrative.”

CNN reached out to the BBC for comment, but didn’t receive an immediate response. The BBC said in a statement that it was committed to “bringing important stories from around the world to as wide an audience as possible.”

While the allegations are nothing new to those who closely follow Indian politics, the documentary is likely to resonate internationally because of Modi’s rise to global prominence and his popularity at home. His supporters see him as a champion of Hindu nationalism, and the riots are seen as emblematic of that movement.

The riots began when 60 Hindu pilgrims traveling on the Sabarmati Express train were killed in a fire that was blamed on Muslims. The ensuing wave of bloody retaliatory attacks killed more than 1,000, mostly Muslim victims, and was widely condemned as ethnic cleansing. The documentary cites an unpublished report from the British government, and interviews with officials who led the investigation.

The documentary’s release comes after Human Rights Watch sounded the alarm over ongoing concerns about discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims, in India. The organization’s 2022 World Report found that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has a history of bias, with supporters engaging in violent attacks, institutions displaying partiality, and journalists and activists facing suppression through politically motivated prosecutions.

Despite the Indian government’s efforts to block the documentary, it hasn’t stopped people from holding screenings in private homes and at universities. Those who want to view the documentary are using VPNs and trading flash drives. The BBC has said it will continue to make its films available as long as people can access them. The BBC’s statement said the documentary was rigorously researched and took into account a “wide range of voices, witnesses, and experts—including responses from people in the BJP.” The organization says it did not have a political agenda when making the film. The second part of the documentary is scheduled to air next week. The BBC will offer its right to reply to the Indian government before it airs.

The Second Part

The second part of the bbc documentary on modi focuses on allegations of discrimination against India’s Muslims under Modi. The first part of the series looked at the prime minister’s role in the anti-Muslim violence that swept through Gujarat in 2002, when Modi was chief minister of the state. The fire that killed 60 Hindu pilgrims in a train carriage was blamed on the Muslim community and led to a wave of mob violence that left more than 1,000 people dead, according to official estimates. A special investigation team found no evidence of complicity on the part of Modi, but he has been accused by critics of encouraging the violence and turning a blind eye to it.

The BBC documentary sparked outrage in India, where it was banned from being shown at universities and social media sites were forced to remove clips using emergency laws. A petition by a Hindu nationalist organization asked the Supreme Court to ban the BBC in India, but the petition was rejected. Tax officials also inspected the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. The corporation has said it stands by the documentary and that it does not have an agenda.

However, the BBC has come under fire from rightwing media outlets and social media users in India who accuse it of bias against Modi. Some members of parliament have also criticized the documentary. Tory MP Bob Blackman wrote to the BBC’s director-general claiming it was “heavily one-sided” and that it was trying to “tarnish India’s international image”. Labour peer Rami Ranger questioned whether the documentary was being made by the BBC’s Pakistani-origin staff, saying that “it would be deplorable to use the documentary as a tool for a political attack”.

Part two of the bbc documentary on modi takes a look at Modi’s plans following his re-election in 2019. It examines how his brand of Hindu nationalism has been embraced by voters and how his policies appear to discriminate against minorities. The BBC documentary argues that these prejudices could pose future problems for India’s relations with the US and other western countries, which are increasingly seeking close trade deals and partnerships.

The BBC has defended the documentary, saying that it was “rigorously researched”. It added that it had offered the Indian Government a right of reply on the issues raised in the film, but that they declined. The broadcaster has also said that the series was not intended to hurt the government or to target any individuals. Its statement continued: “The programme featured a wide range of voices, witnesses and experts and we have included responses from those in the BJP.” The statement concluded: “We take our responsibility to report the world in a balanced way very seriously.” The BBC has said that it will continue to make its journalism robust and impartial, regardless of what the government does to try and stop it from being seen in India.

The Final Words

The two-part documentary India: The Modi Question revisits allegations from more than a decade ago, when the prime minister of India was chief minister of Gujarat during anti-Muslim violence. The riots started when a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was set on fire, killing dozens of people, mostly Muslims. The government of the western state of Gujarat blamed the incident on Muslims and a wave of violence swept through the area, with Hindu mobs attacking Muslim homes. More than 1,000 people were killed, mostly Muslims. The prime minister has denied accusations of complicity in the violence, and a Supreme Court-ordered investigation found no evidence to prosecute him.

The BBC’s report, aired in the UK in January, drew sharp criticism from Indian officials and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Indian ministry of information and broadcasting called the documentary “hostile propaganda” and accused the BBC of having a “colonial mindset.” The government attempted to block sharing of the documentary on social media by blocking links and clips, which Twitter and YouTube complied with. The government’s adviser on foreign affairs, Kanchan Gupta, denounced the documentary as “anti-India garbage” and “propaganda.”

In a statement to reporters, the BBC said that it was “unaware of any legal action against it by the Government of India” and that it had made every effort to ensure its reporting was fair and accurate. It also said that the documentary was “rigorously researched” and included many different voices, including those from the BJP, which was in power at the time of the riots. It also included an interview with Jack Straw, the British foreign secretary at the time of the riots.

Some Indians have been able to access the documentary online by using VPNs and trading flash drives. Others have reportedly gotten around the censorship by holding wildcat screenings in public spaces, despite threats from local BJP leaders.

The documentary comes as India grapples with the rising tide of religious intolerance and attacks on minorities. Human Rights Watch says that the banning of the documentary reflects a pattern of censorship by the Modi government and a lack of meaningful discussion on these issues in India.

The ban on the documentary is also a blow to India’s international standing and demonstrates its growing insecurity over global opinion about its leadership and record on human rights. Hopefully the upcoming US screening will encourage discussion of these important issues and prompt actions that can lead to tangible change in the country. A more inclusive, equitable and secure India is in everyone’s best interest.

FAQs:

What are some key highlights covered in the BBC documentary on Modi?

The documentary delves into Narendra Modi’s early life, his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and the controversial events surrounding the 2002 Godhra riots. It also examines his election as Prime Minister in 2014, his foreign policy initiatives, and the ambitious domestic programs like “Make in India” and “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.”

Does the documentary present a balanced view of Narendra Modi’s leadership?

The documentary strives to provide a balanced perspective on Modi’s leadership by showcasing both his supporters’ admiration and critics’ concerns. While it highlights his accomplishments in infrastructure development and foreign relations, it also addresses criticisms related to religious tensions, freedom of expression, and human rights issues during his tenure. Viewers are encouraged to draw their conclusions based on the presented information.

August 23, 2023 0 comment

General

BBC Documentary On Modi Stirs Up Controversy In India

by James William August 23, 2023

written by James William

A BBC documentary has stoked controversy in India over its depiction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his relationship with the country’s Muslim minority. The program revisited allegations that Modi turned a blind eye to violence in Gujarat state in 2002, which left 1,000 people dead, most of them Muslims.

What Is The Documentary About?

The two-part bbc documentary on modi focuses on Modi’s role in India’s 2002 Gujarat riots. During the violence, Hindu mobs attacked Muslims after a train carrying Hindu pilgrims was bombed and a fire burned down Muslim-owned stores and homes. More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed. Modi has long faced accusations that he did not do enough to stop the riots. But a special investigation team appointed by India’s Supreme Court in 2012 found no evidence that he was complicit. The BBC says the film took into account “a wide range of voices, witnesses and experts” and that it did not seek to present a particular point of view. It also said it offered the Indian government a right to reply, but it declined. The broadcaster has taken steps to remove online postings of the film from Twitter and YouTube.

But India’s foreign ministry has slammed the documentary as a piece of propaganda based on discredited evidence. The BBC has offered to air the film in India, but it has yet to say if it will do so. The controversy is highlighting the tensions between the world’s second-largest democracy and its Western allies, who have forged close trade ties with Modi’s ruling party.

India is increasingly seen as a major power, and its leader has been seeking to enhance his global stature with high-profile visits and international forays. But critics argue that Modi and his government have a record of neglecting India’s minorities and undermining the country’s democratic institutions.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are organizing a screening of the controversial documentary in Washington, ahead of Modi’s state visit to the White House on June 20. The group says the event will highlight the need for a “full, transparent and independent inquiry” into India’s alleged censorship of the documentary. The event will take place as Indian tax officials have been conducting searches of BBC offices in the country, putting a spotlight on dwindling freedoms in what is considered the world’s largest democracy. CNN’s Bobby Ghosh and Amna Nawaz contributed to this report.

Why Is It Controversial?

The BBC is facing a storm in India after it aired a two-part documentary about Prime Minister Modi that examines his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The riots took place after 60 Hindu pilgrims were killed in the town of Godhra, and were blamed on Muslims. The documentary also cites a British government report that held Modi directly responsible for the violence, and calls into question his claims of being an advocate for minority rights. The BBC says that the documentary was based on “rigorous research,” but the Indian government has accused it of bias and lack of objectivity.

The government imposed a ban on the documentary, and used emergency laws to block people from sharing clips online. It even threatened to arrest students who held screenings of the documentary.

It has also filed a defamation suit against the BBC, claiming that it was trying to damage the country’s reputation. The BBC has denied the allegations and is standing by its reporting.

Despite the controversy, the documentary has been well-received in the UK. The Guardian called it a “sobering look at India’s treatment of its minorities.” It raises important questions about the role of a major world power in alleged human rights abuses.

It is important for the international community to hold Modi and his party accountable for past atrocities and current discrimination against minorities. The BBC documentary may be the beginning of a wider conversation about the issue.

India is the largest democracy and the second-largest economy in the world, but it still faces serious issues with press freedom. The raids on the BBC offices are just the latest in a string of violations against journalists and media outlets. Amna Nawaz and Bobby Ghosh discuss what these actions mean for dwindling democratic freedoms in one of the world’s biggest democracies.

What Is The Conclusion?

The documentary examines allegations that Modi failed to intervene effectively in the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in his home state of Gujarat. More than 1,000 people were killed in the violence, and a UK government report at the time held Modi responsible for the failure to stop the riots. The film cites excerpts from the document and features an interview with Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary at the time. The Indian government has condemned the documentary as biased and accused the BBC of pursuing an anti-government agenda.

Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party swept to power in 2014 on a wave of Hindu nationalism. They seized control of the central government in India, and now hold a majority in the upper house of parliament. The documentary shows how Modi used the 2002 riots to gain support for his own agenda and how his close ties with right-wing Hindutva organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh helped him become prime minister.

The film also covers the rising number of lynchings of Muslims in India. It argues that these incidents are part of a campaign to demonise Muslims and impose strict Hindu nationalism in the country. The documentary argues that this is being led by Modi and his BJP, and is supported by the country’s judiciary.

While the documentary may raise some valid points, there are several issues that need to be taken into account. Its most controversial claim is that Modi used the 2002 riots to launch his rise to power, and that this was enabled by his close ties with Hindutva leaders and organisations. This is a serious allegation and must be considered carefully.

The government’s response to the documentary is also troubling. They have banned the film in India and are trying to block it on YouTube, which is against international law. They have also been trying to intimidate students who are holding screenings of the documentary. This is a clear violation of free speech and should be condemned. The BBC has stood by its reporting, saying that it was “rigorously researched according to the highest editorial standards”. It has called on the government to respect freedom of expression and allow the documentary to be shown in India.

What Is The Verdict?

The documentary has revived a dark episode from the prime minister’s past when he was chief minister of Gujarat state during riots in 2002 that killed more than 1,000 Muslims. The government slammed the BBC for a biased “propaganda piece” and blocked sharing of clips on Twitter and YouTube. It also reportedly instructed students in several colleges to stop holding screenings of the film. The move drew criticism from opposition parties and rights groups, who called it an attack on press freedom.

The court said the documentary is “maliciously motivated” and will create “anti-India propaganda.” It was timed to smear India at a time when the country is making a big impression on the world stage, the court said. The petitioner argues that the documentary has defamed the country and hurt the reputation of Modi. It has also caused embarrassment to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, senior advocate Harish Salve told the court.

Modi, who won a second term as India’s leader last year, is courting the US and European nations for investments and close diplomatic ties. But his government is accused of discriminating against minorities and pursuing a hardline Hindu nationalist agenda. The BBC’s decision to air the documentary has exacerbated tensions between India and the UK, where it is a major broadcaster.

A spokesman for the BBC denied that it had an ulterior motive and said it stood by its reporting. He said the documentary was rigorously researched, taking into account a wide range of voices and witnesses. He added that it had included responses from people in the BJP, Modi’s own party.

A group of lawmakers from the opposition parties has asked the BBC to rethink its decision to air the documentary. Conservative MP Bob Blackman has accused the broadcaster of conducting a “hatchet job” on Modi, while Labour peer Rami Ranger wrote to the head of the BBC asking him whether the documentary was being made by staff of Pakistani origin. He later apologized for the remarks. Both of them are members of the House of Lords, the upper chamber of the British parliament.

Conclusion:

The BBC documentary on Narendra Modi provides an insightful and comprehensive portrayal of the Indian Prime Minister, capturing various aspects of his life, political journey, and leadership style. Through in-depth interviews with key figures, archival footage, and on-the-ground reporting, the documentary sheds light on Modi’s rise to power and his impact on India’s domestic and international policies.

One of the key takeaways from the documentary is Modi’s ability to connect with the masses through his compelling speeches and social media presence, which has contributed significantly to his popularity. However, it also raises questions about the potential consequences of such a strong personality-driven leadership style in a diverse and complex democracy like India.

Moreover, the documentary delves into controversial topics, such as the 2002 Gujarat riots, which have long been a subject of debate and criticism. While it addresses these issues, it is important to remember that documentaries may have inherent biases or limitations, and viewers should seek multiple sources and perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the subject.

In conclusion, the BBC documentary on Narendra Modi offers valuable insights into the life and political career of a prominent world leader. It encourages viewers to critically assess the implications of personality-driven politics and highlights the importance of balanced and comprehensive media coverage to grasp the complexities of modern leadership.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Is the documentary impartial in its portrayal of Narendra Modi?

The impartiality of any documentary can be a subject of debate, and the BBC documentary on Narendra Modi is no exception. While the documentary attempts to present a comprehensive view of Modi’s life and political journey, it is essential to recognize that biases might exist in the selection of content, editing, or even the choice of interviewees. Viewers should be critical consumers of media and consider seeking alternative sources and perspectives to form a more balanced understanding of the subject.

Does the documentary address the 2002 Gujarat riots and their implications?

Yes, the documentary does address the 2002 Gujarat riots, a significant and controversial event in Narendra Modi’s political career. The documentary provides an overview of the riots and their aftermath, examining their impact on Modi’s image and the state of Gujarat. However, it’s worth noting that due to the complexity and sensitivity of the topic, the documentary might not cover all aspects exhaustively. For a more in-depth understanding, viewers are encouraged to seek additional resources and historical context.

August 23, 2023 0 comment