Bengaluru, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers have expressed their support for the ban on Palestinian films at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES). They have called on Leftist factions opposing this ban to shed light on the atrocities against Hindus occurring in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

During a press conference on Friday, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi remarked that the authority to decide which films to screen lies with the relevant department. “To those who are against the decision to restrict Palestinian films, I want to stress that this choice was made at a higher level. Individuals with such a one-sided perspective should instead advocate for films that depict the genocide of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh,” he stated.

Tenginakayi further accused Leftist groups of persistently trying to bring similar matters to light. “We applaud the move to ban Palestinian films at the international film festival held in Bengaluru. Let the Left voice their concerns regarding the recent violent deaths of Hindus in Bangladesh,” he continued.

Another BJP MLA, Y. Bharath Shetty, claimed that films pertaining to Palestine harbor a concealed agenda that could disrupt societal harmony. “These Palestinian films possess a hidden motive and can jeopardize social peace. On Thursday, actor Prakash Raj, in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, advocated for the screening of Palestinian films. India is a diverse nation that embraces all forms of art and cinema. Nonetheless, these films are driven by propaganda and carry a hidden agenda,” he asserted.

“We have observed such trends in these films previously. They should not be allowed to be shown in Karnataka. The views of Prakash Raj are well-known; he is anti-Hindu and has a warped view of our nation. He seized the chance to voice his opinion in front of the Chief Minister, and that is all,” he added.

It’s worth noting that popular actor Prakash Raj mentioned on Thursday that the Central government is obstructing the screening of Palestinian films at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival. He made these remarks following the festival's inauguration, of which he is the ambassador.

Prakash Raj stated, “International film festivals like this one help nurture humanitarian bonds. Unfortunately, politics has infiltrated the Bengaluru International Film Festival. As a result, our Central government is not permitting the screening of Palestinian films.”

“As Chief Minister, you must take a firm stance on this matter. As the festival ambassador, I urge you to do so,” Prakash Raj implored Siddaramaiah during the inauguration of the event in Bengaluru.

“We take pride when a story rooted in our culture, like ‘Edeya Hanate’, is translated into another language and wins the Booker Prize. So how can we dismiss the argument that stories from other countries should not be showcased here? Recently, the Kerala government took a stand and allowed such screenings. I, as the ambassador, strongly urge the Karnataka government and the Film Academy to protest against political interference at the Bengaluru Film Festival,” he concluded.