BJP Slams Prakash Raj Over Call to Screen Palestinian Films at BIFF
Controversy erupts as actor urges Karnataka government to allow Palestinian movies, BJP defends Centre’s ban
Bengaluru, Jan 31 : The BJP on Friday criticised actor Prakash Raj for urging the screening of Palestinian films during the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFF).
Raj, appointed BIFF ambassador by the Karnataka government, condemned the Centre for restricting Palestinian cinema in India this year. “The Centre is not allowing the screening of Palestinian movies at BIFF. How should we protest against this? As BIFF Ambassador, I request Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take a firm stand,” he said on Thursday.
Highlighting the importance of cultural exchange, Raj referenced the Booker Prize awarded to Banu Mushtaq for her novel Heart Lamp, questioning why Indian audiences should be denied access to diverse narratives. He also recited a poem in support of Palestinian films and urged authorities to avoid politicising cultural programmes.
Responding to Raj, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai questioned his stance, asking why there is no demand for films depicting the Hindu genocide in Pakistan and Bangladesh. “The ban on Palestinian movies was decided from the top. Why do those opposing the government not demand films on Hindu genocide in Bangladesh and Pakistan?” the Hubballi-Dharwad Central legislator said.
Tenginkai added that the Centre’s decision to restrict the films was justified.
