Filmmaker Files Complaint Against PM Modi for Remarks on Mahatma Gandhi

National Award-winning filmmaker Luit Kumar Barman filed a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, May 29, over remarks made about Mahatma Gandhi. Barman described Modi's comments as "highly derogatory" and an "insult" to the Father of the Nation.

The Complaint and Its Context

Luit Kumar Barman lodged the complaint at Hatigaon police station in Guwahati. Despite this, the police have not registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding Modi's statements about Gandhi.

In his complaint, Barman stated, “This is a highly derogatory statement and cannot be accepted by a citizen of India. As citizens, we cannot accept insults to Mahatma Gandhi. No film is required to introduce him to the world.” He further argued that by comparing Mahatma Gandhi to 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 relevant sections of the law.”

Modi's Controversial Remarks

During an interview with ABP, Prime Minister Modi said, “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."

These comments have sparked widespread outrage in both public and political spheres.

Reactions from Political Figures

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah expressed his shock, saying, “The remarks are shocking. The prime minister feels shame in praising Mahatma Gandhi even as both of them hail from Gujarat.”

Rahul Gandhi also criticized PM Modi, making a reference to Modi's educational background. He commented, “Only a student of 'Entire Political Science' would need to watch the film to know about Mahatma Gandhi."

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh added, “I don't know in which world the outgoing prime minister lives where Mahatma Gandhi was not recognized across the world before 1982. If anyone has destroyed the legacy of the Mahatma, it is the outgoing prime minister himself. His own government has destroyed Gandhian institutions in Varanasi, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.”