New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) The upcoming web series “Ghooskhor Pandat” has ignited controversy even before its debut, prompting the Congress party to voice its disapproval on Friday. The title has been labeled an affront to the Brahmin community as well as Sanatanis, leading to calls for an investigation into the matter.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai stated to IANS, “This is an affront to the Brahmin community and also to Sanatanis. This government is consistently disrespecting Shankaracharya, which is undoubtedly an insult to the Brahmin community.”

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha echoed this sentiment, arguing that entertainment should not come at the detriment of any community's dignity. He urged immediate action from the Censor Board.

“This title is inherently offensive. While entertainment is acceptable, it should never come at the expense of offending a community. The Censor Board must act swiftly to remove this title,” Sinha told IANS.

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput emphasized the need for a balanced discussion to ensure neither artistic freedom nor community sentiments are compromised.

“The matter should be analyzed from both perspectives to avoid restricting artistic expression or misusing it. Experts should probe both angles. Artists and their works should not be unnecessarily suppressed,”

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari condemned remarks that target any caste, asserting the need for sensitivity in discussions about community identities.

“I want to clarify that while some pandits may exhibit troubling behavior, we should not generalize. No community, be it Rajput, Dalit, or any other, should be subjected to derogatory remarks,” he stated.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat highlighted the importance of reconciling freedom of expression with the need to prevent public offense.

“Freedom of expression is vital, but it should not come at the expense of hurting sentiments. There are numerous phrases and stories that should be interpreted positively, without directing negative comments at any specific caste or community,” Bhagat affirmed.

Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauriya accused the creators of spreading caste-based hatred through such media, alleging that the Brahmin community is being specifically targeted in Uttar Pradesh.

“In Uttar Pradesh, the PDA is facing ongoing humiliation, and its members are frequently targeted. Through such web series, caste-based animosity is proliferating, and the Bharatiya Janata Party is complicit in this. The Brahmin community faces relentless discrimination in Uttar Pradesh, including targeted violence. The release of such content only serves to insult the Brahmin community,” Bhadauriya asserted.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad suggested that online content, such as YouTube channels and web series, should undergo stricter scrutiny to prevent societal discrimination.

“Popular content, including YouTube channels and web series, should be subjected to a censor board to ensure no community's sentiments are dismissed. Monitoring is necessary to uphold social harmony, and any discriminatory narratives must be governed by law and order,” he stated.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal called for patience, arguing that it is premature to comment given that only the film's announcement has been made.

“Currently, only the announcement of Manoj Bajpayee’s film has occurred. No one should speculate until further details emerge. If the film is rooted in reality and receives Censor Board approval, intervention at this stage may be unwarranted,” he observed.

In response to the controversy, Lucknow's Hazratganj Police has filed an FIR against the upcoming web series, following directives from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

According to Lucknow Police, decisive actions were taken after claims that the content aims to disrupt social harmony and offend religious and caste sentiments.

The title and premise of the film have sparked considerable outrage among the Brahmin community and various social organizations, some of which have threatened protests.

Legal proceedings and investigations are active due to the serious nature of the situation.

Authorities are expected to implement strict measures against anyone attempting to offend any community or disturb public peace under a zero-tolerance policy.

Meanwhile, Bajpayee has asserted through a recent social media update that “Ghooskhor Pandat” is “not about any community”.

“I acknowledge the emotions and concerns raised by the public, and I take them sincerely. When a project I’m involved with causes discomfort, it prompts reflection. My focus was on portraying a flawed character and his path to self-awareness, not making a statement about any community,” he explained.

Bajpayee added that the decision to withdraw promotional materials shows the seriousness with which the creators are addressing these concerns.