Tushar Gandhi criticises Kerala government over blocked documentary screenings

Tushar Gandhi has expressed disappointment with Kerala’s Congress-led government over its response to the Union government’s initial refusal to permit 31 films selected for the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala. Speaking in Kozhikode, Gandhi described the decision as an attack on the festival and urged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to ensure that the films were screened.

He also appealed to the State Congress to organise screenings across Kerala. Gandhi said a previous Kerala government had resisted a similar attempt and shown the films. He argued that the State government had weakened its freedom by not taking the same approach this time.

Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal replied that legal action had been initiated. According to sources cited in the report, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting subsequently granted permission for 23 of the 31 films.

The development followed a notice from the Kerala High Court in a petition filed by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, which sought permission to screen all 31 films. The festival began in the State capital on September 26. Gandhi later made broader political remarks, saying the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh would have to be defeated by challenging what he described as its ideology of hate, separation and fascism.

He also criticised the idea that removing an individual Election Commissioner or changing election rules alone would resolve the country’s problems. Venugopal said the Congress would consider suggestions from people such as Gandhi and correct any mistakes. He also criticised reports concerning the higher judiciary, although the supplied material does not provide a response from the judiciary or the individuals mentioned.