BBC documentary on PM Narendra Modi dubbed in Tamil, screened by Thol Thirumavalavan

Continuing the trend of defiant screenings of BBC’s two-part documentary India: The Modi question, the Tamil Nadu-based political party Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has dubbed it in Tamil and intends to screen it across the state.

The first screening of the Tamil-dubbed version of the documentary, which was banned by the Union government, was held on Sunday, 5 February.

அம்பேத்கர் திடலில் 'மோடி எனும் கேள்வி' -ஆவணப்படம் தமிழ்க் குரல் பதிவுடன் இன்று மாலை வெளியிட்டோம். தலைவர்கள் பங்கேற்று உரையாற்றினர்.#BBCDocumentary pic.twitter.com/kkCfVZ2JNv

— Thol. Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) February 5, 2023

VCK leader and Lok Sabha member Thol Thirumavalavan initiated the process of translating the BBC documentary into Tamil and screened it at an event held at Ambedkar Thidal, the party’s headquarters, in Chennai.

While there is no official order for a ban on the BBC documentary, the Union government has consistently blocked links streaming the BBC documentary that covers the 2002 Gujarat riots and its aftermath, and the rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The second part of the documentary covers the CAA-NRC protests, the Delhi riots, and the assault on students of the JNU during the anti-CAA protests.

Also read: Communists take on TN govt over BBC documentary screenings

Representatives from various parties and outfits — including the Dravidar Kazhagam, Poovulagin Nabargal, director Vetrimaran, and VCK MP Ravikumar — participated in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Thirumavalavan said that Modi grew from a state-level leader to a national leader only by “adopting hate politics and violence”.

“It was Advani who should have come to power after Vajpayee. But Modi and Amit Shah planted violence after the Godhra train burning incident and strategised well-planned riots against the minorities, which made the RSS pick him as prime-ministerial candidate,” Thirumavalavan said.

Deeming Modi’s style as “hate politics”, the VCK leader also urged people to oppose it.

“One should remember the consequences if Modi comes to power again and discussions must be taken forward regarding this,” the MP said.

Director Vetrimaran said that merely viewing the blocked BBC documentary was acting against fascism.

“Portraying persons who have a difference of opinion as anti-national is the peak of fascism,” the celebrated director added.

The BBC documentary was screened to the audience, and Thirumavalavan said that the Tamil-translated documentary would be telecasted throughout the state on behalf of the VCK.

Also read: BBC, PM Modi, and the Streisand effect