Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday condemned Doordarshan's decision to telecast 'The Kerala Story' in the state and demanded the public broadcaster to withdraw the film's screening. He said Doordarshan should not be allowed to become a "propaganda machine" of BJP and RSS.

In a post on X, Vijayan said the film public broadcaster to withdraw the screening of the film, alleging it could fan communal tensions in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

"The decision by @DDNational to broadcast the film 'The Kerala Story', which incites polarisation, is highly condemnable. The national news broadcaster should not become a propaganda machine of the BJP-RSS combine and withdraw from screening a film that only seeks to exacerbate communal tensions ahead of the general elections. Kerala will remain steadfast in opposing such malicious attempts to sow hatred," he said.

In a separate statement, the ruling CPI(M) also asked Doordarshan to withdraw its decision to telecast the film. The party asked it not to stand with the "BJP's attempt to polarise" the atmosphere in Kerala.

The court had ruled that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) examined the film and found that it was suitable for public exhibition.

On the other hand, Leader of Opposition and Congress leader VD Satheesan wrote to the Election Commission, urging it to direct Doordarshan to withdraw its decision to screen The Kerala Story.

Strong protest was held by the CPI(M) and the Congress against the film when it was released last year.

Source: ANI