Shashi Shekhar Vempati writes: The BBC’s documentary on Narendra Modi and Gujarat riots questions integrity of India’s institutions
IndianexpressJan 20, 2023
The Indian government on Thursday termed a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi — which reportedly questions his leadership during the 2002 Gujarat riots — a "propaganda piece" designed to push a "discredited narrative."
Dismissing the documentary as biased and reflecting a "continuing colonial mindset," India's foreign ministry questioned "the purpose of the exercise," condemning the film's alleged hidden agenda.
This documentary can potentially jeopardize diplomatic relations between India and the UK at a crucial political juncture in either democracy. The BBC — which enjoys significant clout with British administrative and quasi-state authorities — must be held accountable for character-assassinating a democratically-elected leader, questioning the independent investigative agencies, and casting aspersions on the institutional integrity of the Supreme Court of India.
As Gujarat's chief minister, Narendra Modi was directly responsible for halting or abetting the riots. Unfortunately, he didn't bat an eyelid as thousands of innocents were persecuted on the streets. The climate of impunity created by the state government propelled the rioters to lynch Muslims indiscriminately. Modi may not have had a direct role in the mass killings, but concerningly, the prime minister still chooses to look the other way as his supporters intensify the calls to turn the country into an exclusive Hindu state.
There's a 54% chance that there will be a non-BJP Prime Minister of India before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.