Bengal banned ‘The Kerala Story’ based on intel: Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee
After the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Bengal government’s order banning film ‘The Kerala Story’, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) said that the movie was banned based on intelligence inputs.
TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said, “Banning the movie was not a party-oriented decision but was a government of West Bengal’s decision. The state government had the intelligence. That is why the movie was banned. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told us about it in detail. The Supreme Court has also been informed about intelligence inputs. But if the court has given a verdict, we will abide by it.”
While addressing a press conference, TMC leader Shashi Panja said, “The chief minister took a call because she is the administrative head of the state. She knows what is best for the state. And inputs suggested that there could have been a reaction.”
“As the administrative head, she has to look into the law and order situation and she will take the call which is in the best interest of the state,” she said.
Shashi Panja also cited the instances of violence in Bengal that took place recently. She said, “We have seen how the law and order situation deteriorated in Bengal during Ram Navami rallies, following provocation.”
BJP REACTS TO SC ORDER
The Bengal BJP welcomed the top court order with Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly, saying Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should focus on law and order instead of “moral policing”.
In a tweet, Suvendu Adhikari said, “Let the people of West Bengal decide what they want to embrace and what they want to reject. The great people of West Bengal are extremely tolerant. Don’t try to label them differently. I welcome the interim order of the Supreme Court.”
Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT Cell chief, welcoming the Supreme Court order, criticised Mamata Banerjee for standing with “radical elements” by banning the film in the state.
The Kerala Story, starring Adah Sharma, was released in cinemas on May 5. Directed by Sudipto Sen, the film claims women from Kerala were forced to convert to Islam and recruited by the terror group Islamic State or ISIS.