The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): National Award-winning filmmaker Luit Kumar Barman has filed a formal police complaint in Guwahati against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of defaming Mahatma Gandhi. The complaint, registered at Hatigaon police station on Wednesday night, challenges Modi’s recent statements about Gandhi during a television interview.
In the interview, Modi suggested that global awareness of Mahatma Gandhi only arose after the release of the biographical film ‘Gandhi,’ implying a failure on India’s part to promote his legacy adequately. Modi stated, “Across the world, Mahatma Gandhi was a great person. Was it not our responsibility in these 75 years to ensure that the entire world knows Mahatma Gandhi. I am sorry to say that no one knows about him. The first time when the film ‘Gandhi’ was made, it was then that there was curiosity across the world as to who this person was. We have not done so…”
Barman, who produced the 2021 Assamese film ‘Boomba Ride’ that won the Rajat Kamal, expressed his discontent with these remarks, arguing that they undermine the historical and philosophical significance of Gandhi, known globally as a symbol of non-violent resistance. “This is a highly derogatory statement and cannot be acceptable by a citizen of India. No film is required to introduce him to the world,” said Barman in his complaint.
The filmmaker urged legal action against Modi, stating, “By comparing Mahatma Gandhi with a film, Narendra Modi has defamed Mahatma Gandhi along with the people of India. Therefore, I request you to take action against Narendra Modi under the relevant section of law.”
As of now, the police have not registered a First Information Report (FIR) but confirmed that a preliminary investigation is underway. Officer-in-Charge Bijay Duwara of Hatigaon Police Station emphasized that the inquiry is in its initial stages and further developments are expected.