Mamata’s paranoia has caused her to suspend the freedom of expression in Bengal

West Bengal works in mysterious ways. The state considers itself a liberal utopia and a crusader for the freedom of speech and expression. However, its image has suffered a serious blow under the present state regime. Gone are the days of Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, when actors and movie makers enjoyed complete freedom to make political satires.

According to The New Indian Express report, under instructions from “senior authorities” Bengali film ‘Bhobishyoter Bhoot’ has been taken down from cinema halls on February 16, a day after its release. This has been done inspite of the film getting approval from the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC). Kolkata’s artists are confused and angry over the state censorship of the film. The city also witnessed a demonstration led by actor Joyraj Bhattacharjee in support of the movie and artistic freedom. Protesters comprising mostly of artists termed the action by the state CM- Mamata Banerjee- a case of political vendetta.

According to The New Indian Express, the Director of the movie- Anik Dutta- alleged that days prior to the film’s release, the producer Kalyanmoy Chatterjee got a phone call and a letter from the West Bengal Intelligence expressing concern over the content of the film. The New Indian Express has quoted Anik Dutta saying, “We didn’t target any political party or person by name in our film. One party thinks we are from the other party and vice versa.’

An actor on the condition of anonymity said, “This is a blatant violation of art and the freedom associated with it. It takes me back to the times when Nil Darpan was also banned. I’m more concerned about the future. If it can happen with a CBFC certified film, then what will happen in the future? We will have to then present our film’s synopsis for getting approval and then proceed.”

Screenwriter Sanjib Banerjee said, “How can a cinema with a CBFC certificate be taken down from the theatres without any prior notice? Who took down the cinema from the theatres? It’s surprising to see no one taking any responsibility. But I’m glad to see so many people standing beside Anik Dutta. This solidarity will pass on the message of our unity.”

Irony is that Mamata termed the controversy around Padmavat movie as ‘Super Emergency’. She had tweeted, “The #Padmavati controversy is not only unfortunate but also a calculated plan of a political party to destroy the freedom to express ourselves. We condemn this super emergency.”

When the Padmavat movie was facing protest in many states at that time West Bengal CM Speaking at the India Today Conclave East 2017,had said, “If they cannot release it in any other state, we will give special arrangement for Padmavati. Bengal will be very happy and Bengal will be proud to do that.”

When it comes to Freedom of Speech and Expression, Mamata Banerjee’s stand has always been hypocritical. She believes in selective freedom of expression. Irony in all this is that, the cabal considers Mamata Banerjee a champion of freedom of speech and expression despite the fact that her acts suggest otherwise.

She had jailed Ambikesh Mahapatra from Jadavpur University for politically incorrect cartoons against her. Her government also ordered “many cuts” in a Bengali movie Zulfiqar. The Mamata government also suspended Doctor Arunachal Dutta Choudhry for revealing in his Facebook post the harsh reality of dengue deaths in government hospital in Barasat.

Mamata’s government had also filed FIR against Zee News for covering Dhulagarh riots.

Mamata Banerjee is well known for being intolerant towards criticism against her and West Bengal TMC government.