‘Padmavati row aimed at gaining ground in Gujarat elections’
CHANDIGARH : The angst towards Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Pad ma va ti was unnecessary and was targeted to get electoral gains in Gujarat polls, said Manish Tewari, national spokesperson of Congress and former information and broadcasting minister, on Thursday.
Tewari, who was at Panjab University (PU) for the launch of his book, ‘Tidings of Troubled Times’, also criticised the protesters for suppressing the freedom of speech, stating, “People who are getting angry about portrayal of Padmavati have not even seen the movie.”
The former minister also added that until the Central Board of Film Certification (CBCF) did not award a particular certification, reaction to the movie was unnecessary. “Until the CBCF says that the film is not fit for screening, is restricted for adults or is restricted for special viewing, I think all this angst is unnecessary,” he added.
Pointing towards Gujarat election, Tewari said some people believe that by exploiting every issue, they will get political dividend and the Padmavati controversy is one such matter. “After December 14, you will not hear about Padmavati again. The movie for all intents will get released. If it is a good movie, it will make money,” he added.
The Congress spokesperson also opined to do away with the censor board. He said, “Besides broadcasting ministry, another institution which is not required is the censor board. TV does not have any censorship. These are some fundamental reforms which are required in the coun- try. I believe that if something is assaulting your sensibilities, flip the channel.”
Tiwari expressed sadness for exclusion of some movies at international festival due to government interference. “It is extremely painful. We can debate the merits and demerits of the movie but once it is cleared from a statuary body, such strenuous conditions are not required,” he added.
Tewari also gave some insights about his book. In one such discussion he talked about the India-Pakistan relationship. He said the relation between the two neighbours have deteriorated in the past 10 years. “If India wants to improve relation with Pakistan then channels have to be opened with Pakistan military. Pakistan has multiple centres of authority. We need to construct a new narrative with Pakistan,” he added
On the issue of smog, he commented that both Punjab’s sitting together and taking the lead to solve issues like smog, was theoretically possible but not practically.
He concluded with saying that the true test of democracy is not how you look after the majorities but how you look after the minorities.