BJP Has No Role in the Removal of 'Satluj' from OTT Platform; Allegations Are Baseless and Misleading : S Ravneet Singh Union Minister
Jalandhar: 08-07-2026
Union Minister of state for Railways and Food Processing Industries S. Ravneet Singh today categorically refuted the Recent allegations by certain political leaders attempting to link the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Central Government to the removal of the film Satluj from the OTT platform ZEE5 are completely baseless, misleading and devoid of facts.
While addressing the media in Jalandhar today he said it is important to place the issue in its proper context. The events depicted in the film relate to a period when both the Government of Punjab and the Government of India were led by the Congress Party. Therefore, any attempt to attribute developments surrounding the film or its portrayal of that period to the BJP is politically motivated and factually untenable.
Equally important is the legal position governing digital streaming platforms. OTT platforms are not subject to prior government censorship in the manner applicable to theatrical film releases. Decisions regarding the hosting, continuation or withdrawal of content from an OTT platform are taken by the platform itself in accordance with its editorial, legal and commercial policies. Government certification and regulatory provisions relating to films primarily apply to theatrical releases, while satellite television and cable broadcasts are governed under separate statutory and regulatory frameworks. Consequently, attributing the removal of Satluj from ZEE5 to the BJP or the Central Government has no factual or legal basis.
Union Minister Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu has also categorically clarified that his concern is not about suppressing any film but about ensuring that Punjab's history is presented in its entirety and not through a one-sided narrative. He has consistently maintained that any discussion on the years of militancy must acknowledge not only allegations against the state but also the immense suffering inflicted by terrorism on thousands of innocent civilians, police personnel, public servants, elected representatives and ordinary families.
Shri Bittu has reiterated that militancy has no religion and that violence must never be glorified or associated with any community or faith. He has emphasized that Punjab's history should be examined through facts, verified records and historical context rather than selective narratives or political propaganda.
He has further stated that the government led by former Chief Minister Beant Singh inherited a Punjab devastated by years of terrorism, with its foremost responsibility being the restoration of peace, law and order, and democratic governance. The return of normalcy, revival of democratic institutions and restoration of public confidence remain an integral part of that historical period and deserve equal recognition.
The BJP believes that history can and should be debated in a democratic society. However, such discussions must be based on facts, evidence and balanced historical perspective rather than misinformation or attempts to create political controversy. The focus must remain on preserving peace, strengthening democracy and ensuring that Punjab's future is built on development, employment, education and social harmony rather than reopening old divisions.
The allegations seeking to portray the BJP or the Central Government as being responsible for the removal of Satluj from an OTT platform are therefore entirely unfounded and should be viewed as an attempt to mislead the public for political purposes.