New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh categorically refuted recent allegations by certain political leaders attempting to link the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Central Government to the removal of the film Satluj from the OTT platform ZEE5, labeling the claims as completely baseless, misleading, and devoid of facts. Addressing the media in Jalandhar, the Minister emphasized the importance of examining the issue within its proper context, noting that the events depicted in the film relate to a historical period when both the Government of Punjab and the Government of India were led by the Congress Party. Consequently, he stated that any attempt to attribute developments surrounding the film or its portrayal of that era to the BJP is politically motivated and factually untenable.
The Minister clarified the legal position governing digital streaming platforms, explaining that OTT networks are not subject to prior government censorship in the manner applicable to theatrical film releases. Decisions regarding the hosting, continuation, or withdrawal of content from an OTT platform are taken independently by the service provider in accordance with its internal editorial, legal, and commercial policies. Government certification and regulatory provisions primarily apply to theatrical releases, while satellite television and cable broadcasts are governed under separate statutory frameworks. Therefore, attributing the administrative decisions of ZEE5 to the Central Government has no legal basis.
Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu further clarified that his concern is not about suppressing cinema but about ensuring that the history of Punjab is presented in its entirety rather than through a one-sided narrative. He maintained that any serious discussion on the years of militancy must acknowledge not only allegations against the state but also the immense suffering inflicted by terrorism on thousands of innocent civilians, police personnel, public servants, elected representatives, and ordinary families. Reiterating that militancy has no religion and that violence must never be glorified or associated with any faith, he emphasized that the regional history should be examined through verified records and historical context rather than political propaganda.
The Minister added that the government led by former Chief Minister Beant Singh inherited a state devastated by years of terrorism, with its foremost responsibility being the restoration of peace, law and order, and democratic governance. The return of normalcy, revival of democratic institutions, and restoration of public confidence remain an integral part of that historical period and deserve equal recognition. The BJP maintains that while history can and should be debated in a democratic society, such discussions must be based on evidence and balanced perspectives rather than misinformation or attempts to create political controversy. The focus, according to the Minister, must remain on preserving peace, strengthening democracy, and ensuring that the future of Punjab is built on development, employment, education, and social harmony.
