AAP's statewide protest agianst opposition to ‘Phule'
AAP's support for the film, especially in a state like Uttar Pradesh, outlines its focus on Dalit issues in UP, where the party will be trying its luck in the upcoming panchayat and then assembly polls in two years. It also seeks to challenge the BJP in UP, where the party has set itself the task of holding one protest a month on socially relevant issues in a bid to build up its presence in the state.
In Lucknow, party workers heading to protest were detained by the police, but in several other districts, workers held up placards and shouted slogans against the govt, challenging it on its stand on Dalits in the face of the opposition to the 'Phule' film, where the objection has been largely on the portrayal of caste.
AAP's visibility in UP dipped considerably over the past few months and to prepare for the upcoming elections in the state over the next few years, it has an uphill task to build itself again. As part of the strategy, all wings have been directed to hold two events each month: a protest on a socially relevant issue and a social service task.
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To begin with, the statewide protest was called on Monday to protest against the Censor Board's decision to hold back the release of 'Phule'. A few weeks earlier, the party held demonstrations on the sale of liquor in the state.
"This is a direct attack on freedom of expression. This decision attempts to suppress the legacy and struggle of these great social reformers who fought for equality and education in the country. It reveals the true mindset of the BJP. On one hand, they talk about the Constitution, Dr Ambedkar, and Dalit rights, while on the other, they halt films that talk about societal exploitation. This censorship is not just an attack on a film but on the entire Dalit movement and the values of social justice," Singh said, adding that while historical films like 'Phule' were stopped, govt promoted films like 'The Kashmir Files' and 'The Kerala Story', which spread hatred.
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