Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior BJP leaders attended the screening of the film "The Sabarmati Report" on Monday evening at the Balyogi Auditorium in Parliament House. The event organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and a dinner hosted by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. 
The film claims to provide new insights into the Godhra train burning. A topic that remains deeply polarising in India’s socio-political discourse.
As the debate continues, The Sabarmati Report is likely to remain a topic of political and public discussion in the days to come.
About the Film
The film, The Sabarmati Report, shows the tragic events of February 27, 2002, when a fire engulfed the Sabarmati Express at Godhra, resulting in the deaths of 59 people. These victims were returning from Ayodhya after attending a religious ceremony, and the incident led to widespread communal violence in Gujarat. PM Modi was serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time. That has placed the film under heightened scrutiny.The film claims to provide new insights into the Godhra train burning. A topic that remains deeply polarising in India’s socio-political discourse.
Opposition Boycott and Criticism
The screening faced criticism from opposition parties, with several MPs abstaining from the event. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale accused the Prime Minister of prioritising the film over parliamentary proceedings.“It is problematic that the Prime Minister attends a propaganda movie screening but skips important parliamentary sessions,” Gokhale remarked.Congress MP Manish Tewari also expressed his disapproval, stating that during his tenure as I&B Minister (2012–2014), films were never screened within Parliament premises.
“To my recollection, films were showcased at the Mahadev Auditorium for critics, not in Parliament itself,” he said, emphasising the departure from earlier practices.
Historical Context
While opposition leaders questioned the propriety of holding such events within the Parliament complex, this is not the first instance of a movie screening in Parliament. In August 2022, the film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect was showcased in the old Parliament building, with Union Minister Anurag Thakur and BJP President JP Nadda.BJP’s Perspective
Supporters of the screening argue that films addressing historical or political events can foster meaningful dialogue among policymakers. They praised the government’s efforts to bring such narratives into focus, claiming it reflects the BJP's commitment to exploring untold stories.
A Divided Response
The event has once again highlighted the growing rift between the ruling BJP and opposition parties. While BJP leaders have lauded the film’s attempt to shed light on a contentious chapter in India’s history, critics argue that such screenings serve political agendas rather than cultural enrichment.As the debate continues, The Sabarmati Report is likely to remain a topic of political and public discussion in the days to come.
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