I&B Ministry issues notice to ZEE Tamil: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India has sent a notice to Zee Entertainment Enterprises. In the notice, an explanation has been sought for the telecast of a reality show that was aired on January 15. Acting on a complaint filed by CTR Nirmal Kumar, president of BJP’s IT and Social Media Wing in Tamil Nadu, the ministry has asked the media house to respond within seven days.
The notice against the channel alleged that ‘derogatory’ remarks were made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Tamil reality show recently.
The notice further states that ZEE should reply to the ministry in this matter within a period of 7 days. Further action will be taken if it does not respond.
The notice has been issued after BJP expressed concern over an episode of a reality television show titled ‘Junior Super Stars Season 4’ to be aired on Zee Tamil. It was alleged that the two-child contestants performed a skit that was allegedly mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Two contestants under the age of 14 in the show adapted the theme of the Tamil film ‘Imsai Arasan 23 M Pulikesi’ for an alleged satire on the PM. In the two-minute video of the episode that is going viral on social media, the children are seen narrating the story of a king who tried to demonetise notes to eliminate black money, but failed in the process.
In the video, children are also heard saying that instead of eradicating black money, the ‘Raja’ roams around wearing only jackets of different colors.
The children are also seen making fun of a disinvestment plan and the king’s rule in the country, to which the judges and others in the audience are seen applauding.
However, BJP alleged that during the programme, children were deliberately making objectionable remarks about PM Modi. BJP said, “In the show, sharp remarks were made about demonetisation, PM’s diplomatic visits to different countries and PM’s dress.”