Over documentary on PM Modi resolution passed against BBC

Guwahati: The Assam Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution demanding strict action against British broadcaster BBC over its documentary series ‘India: The Modi Question’.

The two-part documentary series raised questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attitude towards the Muslim minority and highlighted allegations related to the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The resolution was moved by BJP MLA Bhubon Pegu, who alleged that the BBC series questioned India’s independent press, judiciary and the legitimacy of its democratically elected government.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the resolution, saying the BBC documentary was an attack on India’s judiciary and a challenge to India.
The resolution was passed after the opposition walked out of the assembly in protest, claiming that they had demanded screening of the documentary in the House before the debate on the resolution.

The Center had earlier used emergency provisions under the Information Technology Rules 2021 to issue directions to block several YouTube videos and Twitter posts sharing links to the controversial documentary.
A month later, a four-member team from the Income Tax Department visited the BBC office at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

In response to the Assam Legislative Assembly resolution and the search of the BBC’s Mumbai office, FCDO Parliamentary Under-Secretary David Rutley said in February that the UK stood up for the BBC, funding the BBC. provided and he wants the BBC to have it editorial freedom.