Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday, 8 July firmly rejected allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Central government played any part in the removal of the film 'Satluj' from the OTT platform ZEE5, calling such claims 'baseless, misleading and devoid of facts.' The minister made the remarks in Jalandhar, seeking to place the controversy in its proper legal and historical context.

Key Clarification on OTT Regulation

Bittu underscored a critical legal distinction: OTT platforms are not subject to prior government censorship the way theatrical film releases are. Decisions on hosting, continuing, or withdrawing content from a streaming service rest entirely with the platform, governed by its own editorial, legal, and commercial policies. He added that government certification and regulatory provisions apply primarily to theatrical releases, while satellite television and cable broadcasts fall under separate statutory frameworks. 'Attributing the removal of Satluj from ZEE5 to the BJP or the Central government has no factual or legal basis,' he stated.

Historical Context Cited

The minister pointed out that the events depicted in Satluj occurred during a period when both the Punjab government and the Government of India were led by the Indian National Congress (Congress). He argued that any attempt to link the film's portrayal of that era — or developments surrounding its removal — to the BJP is, therefore, politically motivated and factually untenable.

Militancy, Memory and Balanced History

Bittu emphasised that his concern is not about suppressing any film, but about ensuring Punjab's history is presented in its entirety rather than through a selective narrative. He maintained that any discussion on the years of militancy must acknowledge not only allegations against the state but also the immense suffering endured by thousands of innocent civilians, police personnel, public servants, elected representatives, and ordinary families. He reiterated that militancy has no religion and that violence must never be glorified or associated with any community or faith.

The minister also noted that the government led by former Chief Minister Beant Singh inherited a Punjab devastated by years of terrorism, with its primary responsibility being the restoration of peace, law and order, and democratic governance. The revival of democratic institutions and the return of public confidence, he said, remain an equally important part of that historical record and deserve recognition.

BJP's Position on Historical Debate

Bittu stated that the BJP believes history can and should be debated in a democratic society, but such discussions must rest on facts, verified records, and a balanced historical perspective — not on misinformation or attempts to manufacture political controversy. The remarks come amid a broader political dispute over the film's streaming status and its depiction of Punjab's turbulent period of militancy in the 1980s and 1990s.