Congress leader and chairperson of the AICC social media, Supriya Shrinate, on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of banning the screening of the movie 'Satluj' because it feared the dark truth that the film might reveal. Speaking in Chandigarh alongside Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Shrinate questioned the BJP's silence on the issue.
BJP's Fear of Truth
Shrinate alleged that the BJP's decision to block the film was driven by apprehension. "Why is the BJP quiet? They must be scared because their own dirty linen might also come out," she said, implying that the party had something to hide. She did not provide specific details about the alleged truth the film might expose but maintained that the BJP's action was an attempt to suppress information.
1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Reference
When asked whether the film could reignite memories of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Shrinate acknowledged that the Congress party had always recognized the riots as wrong. "Rahul Gandhi himself served at the Darbar Sahib and the Congress condemned the violence," she stated. She added that the Congress party gave the country its first Sikh President and first Sikh Prime Minister, emphasizing the party's commitment to Punjab's syncretic culture and religious traditions.
Ram Temple Donation Theft Allegations
Shrinate also targeted the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the reported theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. She held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible, saying, "When you sidelined everyone else, including the Shankaracharyas to exclusively claim credit for everything, now you cannot remain silent." She described the incident as a brutal attack on the faith and trust of Hindus who had donated their earnings to the temple.
The Congress leader's remarks come amid a political row over the film 'Satluj', which is set against the backdrop of the 1984 riots. The BJP has not yet officially responded to the allegations.
