Unbreakable Controversy: AAP Documentary Screening Halted, Kejriwal Accuses BJP of ‘Dictatorship’
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to prevent the screening of the documentary Unbreakable, which highlights the time when top AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, were imprisoned.
The documentary primarily focuses on the wrongful arrests and the alleged unconstitutional actions of the BJP government.
The film’s screening was scheduled for a media event at Pyare Lal Bhawan in Delhi on Saturday morning, where Arvind Kejriwal was supposed to attend as the chief guest.
However, the screening was stopped by the Delhi Police, who stated that no permission had been obtained for the event. This led to AAP’s accusations that the BJP was behind the disruption.
Kejriwal’s Social Media Statement and Public Reaction
Arvind Kejriwal shared the trailer of the documentary on X, previously known as Twitter, expressing his belief that the BJP was trying to suppress the film.
He wrote, “This is the trailer of the film Unbreakable made on the Aam Aadmi Party. Watch the trailer. You will understand why the BJP wants to stop this film.”
During a press conference, Kejriwal clarified that the screening was not related to the ongoing elections and was a private event. He argued, “This was a private screening, not a public one, and yet a large police force was used to stop it.”
He further emphasized that the event did not contain any election-related content, such as flags, speeches, or political propaganda. He condemned the police’s actions, labeling them as an attempt at “goondagardi” (hooliganism) and “dictatorship.”
Delhi Police’s Official Statement on Election Guidelines
In response to the allegations, the Delhi Police issued a statement explaining their actions.
The police stated that, according to election guidelines, political parties must apply for permission for events through the District Election Officer’s (DEO) office, which processes such requests through a single-window system.
The police explained that no such permission had been obtained for the Unbreakable screening, and therefore, it would have violated the election rules.
The statement clarified, “Delhi Police can neither grant nor reject permission for political activities during this time, as all approvals are handled by the DEO office.”
Despite this explanation, Kejriwal and other AAP members maintained that the screening was a private event and should not require permission from the election authorities.
They criticized the police for stopping the screening without considering the nature of the event.
BJP’s Response and Kejriwal’s Rebuttal
As the controversy continued, BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, dismissed the issue, accusing Kejriwal of making unnecessary announcements to gain attention.
Malviya posted on X, “It’s 11 o’clock. ‘Announcement Minister’ Arvind Kejriwal has not made any new announcement yet… The fear of losing the election has led to such a situation.”
In response, Kejriwal accused the BJP of being afraid of the film’s contents. He stated, “This film exposes the truth behind the wrongful arrests of AAP leaders. It shows how the BJP government engaged in illegal and unconstitutional actions to suppress us.”
Kejriwal further criticized the BJP for trying to prevent the film’s release, claiming that the film’s content, which centers on the unjust treatment of AAP leaders, made the ruling party uncomfortable.
The Significance of ‘Unbreakable’ Documentary
Unbreakable focuses on the story of AAP leaders’ arrests, including that of Arvind Kejriwal, and the political and legal turmoil they faced.
The film also delves into the controversial actions of the BJP during this period, which AAP contends were designed to undermine their political influence.
The documentary’s screening for journalists was expected to provide insight into these events, but its disruption raised questions about political interference in media and free expression.
AAP has maintained that this was not an election campaign, but rather an opportunity to showcase a documentary highlighting their struggle.
The party’s leaders argued that the actions of the Delhi Police were an attempt to stifle the film’s message, which they believed would shed light on the BJP’s alleged misconduct.
A Disrupted Screening Amidst Election Tensions
The controversy over the Unbreakable documentary comes at a crucial time as Delhi approaches its elections on February 5. The incident highlights the tense political environment in the city and the ongoing conflict between AAP and BJP.
As the election approaches, the dispute over the screening of this documentary may further intensify the rivalry, with both parties accusing each other of attempting to control narratives and suppress opposition voices.
Despite the setback, AAP remains determined to screen the documentary and hopes to gain the necessary permissions.
The party’s leadership has vowed to continue their efforts to expose what they perceive as the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the BJP government.
