BBC documentary on PM Modi a propaganda piece, designed to push discredited narrative: India

New Delhi/London, January 19

Amid controversy over a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India on Thursday dismissed it as a “propaganda piece”, saying it is designed to push a particular “discredited narrative” and that the continuing colonial mindset is “blatantly visible” in the series.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also wondered about the purpose of the documentary and the “agenda” behind it and said “frankly we do not wish to dignify such efforts”.

The two-part BBC documentary, “India: The Modi Question”, claims it investigated certain aspects relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots when Modi was the Chief Minister of the state.

“Let me just make it very clear that we think this is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, the lack of objectivity, and frankly a continuing colonial mindset, are blatantly visible,” he said.

Bagchi was replying to questions on the documentary.

“If anything, this film or documentary is a reflection on the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again. It makes us wonder about the purpose of this exercise and the agenda behind it and frankly we do not wish to dignify such efforts,” he said.

Asked about comments made by former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on the riots, Bagchi said he seemed to be referring to some internal report of the UK government.

“How do I have access to that? It is a 20-year-old report. Why would I just jump on it now? Just because Jack Straw says it, how do they lend it that much legitimacy,” he asked.

“I heard words like inquiry and investigation. There is a reason why we used the word colonial mindset. We do not use words loosely. What enquiry? They were diplomats here… investigation, are they ruling the country. I do not agree with that characterisation.” 

The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson also noted that the documentary has not been screened in India.

UK PM Rishi Sunak defends Modi

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has come out in defence of Prime Minister Modi after the controversial BBC documentary claimed that the British government was aware about the Indian leader having an alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Sunak said he does not agree with the characterisation of Prime Minister Modi by Pakistani-origin Imran Hussain, an Opposition Labour Party MP, when he asked if the British Premier agreed with claims in the BBC programme that some UK Foreign Office diplomats believed that “Modi was directly responsible”.

During Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Hussain raised the claims made in the first part of ‘India: The Modi Question’ that UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) knew the “extent of Narendra Modi’s involvement”, then Gujarat Chief Minister, in the communal clashes that claimed hundreds of lives.

“The UK government’s position on that is clear and long standing, and it has not changed,” Sunak responded.

“Of course, we do not tolerate persecution anywhere, but I am not sure that I agree at all with the characterisation that the hon. gentleman has put forward,” the British Prime Minister said.