Chandigarh: The removal of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj from the ZEE5 platform has triggered a fresh political controversy in Punjab, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) targeting the BJP and accusing it of suppressing historical facts.
The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was taken down from the OTT platform shortly after its release, drawing sharp reactions from political leaders across the state.
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang described the move as “shameful” and alleged that it exposed the BJP’s attitude towards Punjab.
“When a nation begins to fear its own history, censorship becomes its most dangerous weapon,” Kang said, demanding that the film be restored on the platform without delay.
He further said that while films such as The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story were promoted without restrictions, a film highlighting alleged human rights violations in Punjab had been removed.
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg also questioned the decision, asking why the BJP was “afraid of the truth” and alleging that the move was aimed at shielding the Congress over events of the 1980s and 1990s.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has not yet issued any public statement on the issue.
Meanwhile, Punjab BJP president Keval Singh Dhillon said he would take up the matter with the party’s central leadership and seek clarification on the reasons behind the film’s removal.
Dhillon said he would also raise the issue with the concerned Union minister and discuss the matter with the Centre, adding that he would try to ascertain why the film had been taken off the platform.
The controversy has added a fresh political dimension to the debate surrounding Satluj, with parties trading allegations ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
