The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu of orchestrating the removal of the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' from the OTT platform ZEE5, three days after its release. The film, which depicts Punjab's insurgency era and the assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, has sparked political controversy.
AAP's Allegations Against Bittu
Deepak Bali, AAP general secretary and adviser to Punjab's Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, alleged that Bittu used his influence through the central government to have the film taken down. Speaking from New York, Bali stated that he had watched the movie and found nothing objectionable to the BJP. 'In fact, the film portrays the Congress in a poor light, so there was no reason for it to be stopped,' he said. Bali claimed that the move indicated collusion between the Congress and BJP, but his primary accusation was that Bittu, grandson of Beant Singh, objected to the depiction of his grandfather's role during Punjab's dark era of terrorism.
Film Depicts Assassination of Beant Singh
'Satluj' includes a scene showing the assassination of Beant Singh, which some critics have interpreted as glorifying the killing. Bali argued that the film highlights human rights violations and the sacrifices of activists like Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed extrajudicial killings. 'The younger generation must know the reality of that era,' he added. Bittu has not responded to the allegations.
Widespread Sharing Despite Removal
The film was removed from ZEE5 two days after its release, but it had already been downloaded by numerous viewers and is being widely circulated via WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media platforms. The AAP is planning to take up the matter with the Centre, demanding that the film not be stopped at the behest of leaders like Bittu. The controversy underscores ongoing political tensions over the portrayal of Punjab's history.
