Jalandhar, July 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday said allegations by certain politicians regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Central government's role in the removal of "Satluj" film from the OTT platform "are baseless, misleading and devoid of facts."
He said it is important to place the issue in its proper context. The events depicted in the film take place during a period when both the government of Punjab and the government of India were led by the Congress. Therefore, any attempt to attribute developments surrounding the film or its portrayal of that period to the BJP is politically motivated and factually untenable.
Bittu said that the legal position governing digital streaming platforms is equally important. OTT platforms are not subject to prior government censorship in the manner applicable to theatrical film releases. Decisions regarding the hosting, continuation, or withdrawal of content from an OTT platform are made by the platform itself in accordance with its editorial, legal, and commercial policies.
He said the government certification and regulatory provisions relating to films primarily apply to theatrical releases, while satellite television and cable broadcasts are governed under separate statutory and regulatory frameworks. He added that attributing the removal of "Satluj" from ZEE5 to the BJP or the Central government has no factual or legal basis.
Bittu also categorically clarified that his concern is not about suppressing any film, but about ensuring that Punjab's history is presented in its entirety rather than through a one-sided narrative. He maintained that any discussion on the years of militancy must acknowledge not only allegations against the state but also the immense suffering inflicted by terrorism on thousands of innocent civilians, police personnel, public servants, elected representatives and ordinary families.
He reiterated that militancy has no religion and that violence must never be glorified or associated with any community or faith. He emphasised that Punjab's history should be examined through facts, verified records and historical context rather than selective narratives or political propaganda.
He further said the government led by former Chief Minister Beant Singh inherited a Punjab devastated by years of terrorism, with its foremost responsibility being the restoration of peace, law and order, and democratic governance. The return of normalcy, revival of democratic institutions and restoration of public confidence remain an integral part of that historical period and deserve equal recognition, he said.
Bittu said the BJP believes that history can and should be debated in a democratic society. However, such discussions must be based on facts, evidence and balanced historical perspective rather than misinformation or attempts to create political controversy.
Source: IANS
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