Rajya Sabha member John Britas of the Marxist Communist Party (CPI-M) stated that ‘The Kerala Story 2’ is a film of ‘propaganda’ aimed at creating polarization ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. He questioned whether local leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would dare to demand a ban on ‘beef’.
Controversy erupted after the film’s ‘promo’ showed a woman being forced to eat beef. This scene has been challenged in court. Britas alleged that this film is part of a political effort to polarize voters before the elections and defame Kerala.
However, he said he is not in favor of banning it. He stated, ‘This is a propaganda film. It should be dumped in the gutter rather than watched in theaters.’ He said, ‘It is very clear that the BJP wants to use such malicious propaganda to defame Kerala, increase its foothold there, create communal polarization, and present a wrong picture about the state. This state is the most peaceful and is known for its communal harmony and amity.’
Britas Issues Open Challenge to BJP in Kerala Film Controversy
The film has also sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many posts discussing the state’s communal harmony. Britas said the film’s makers do not understand Kerala’s society. Britas also challenged BJP leaders in Kerala to speak about a ban on ‘beef’.
Britas said, ‘I am challenging, can any BJP leader make a statement in Kerala that beef should be banned? Can anyone say that beef should be banned in Kerala.’ The CPI-M leader said, ‘Is it not true that most of these BJP leaders eat beef? It is part of your choice, whether you want to eat beef, pork, mutton, or chicken.’
Britas said, ‘When Kerala Story came, even then we did not ban it. No one went to watch the film.’ He said, ‘Let people realize what this devilish game being played by the BJP is.’ The CPI-M leader also cast doubt on claims of the previous film’s commercial success, suggesting organized support and bulk ticket purchases may have contributed to its box office performance.
Kerala Story 2
“Kerala Story 2” is not a historical place or cultural site, but a 2024 Indian Hindi-language film. It is a sequel to the controversial 2023 film *The Kerala Story*, which was a fictionalized drama centered on the topic of religious conversion and terrorism. As a cinematic work, it does not have a physical history as a landmark, but is part of ongoing cultural and political discourse in India.
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of India’s bicameral Parliament, established in 1952 under the Constitution of India. It represents the states and union territories, providing a federal balance to the directly elected Lok Sabha, and its members are largely elected by state legislative assemblies.
Marxist Communist Party (CPI-M)
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), is a major political party in India, founded in 1964 following a split from the original Communist Party of India over ideological differences regarding the India-China war and revolutionary strategy. It has historically held significant power in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura, advocating for a socialist transformation through parliamentary democracy combined with mass movements.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a major political party in India, founded in 1980. It has its ideological roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and promotes the concept of Hindutva (cultural nationalism). The party has grown to become India’s dominant political force, leading the national government since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kerala
Kerala is a state on India’s southwestern Malabar Coast, renowned for its lush backwaters, tropical greenery, and distinct cultural heritage shaped by ancient trade in spices. Historically, it was a major hub for merchants from Arabia, China, and later Europe, leading to a diverse society and early establishment of religious communities, including some of India’s oldest churches and mosques. Its unique traditions, such as Kathakali dance and the Ayurvedic system of medicine, remain integral to its identity.
beef
“Beef” is not a specific place or cultural site; it is a type of meat from cattle. However, its production and consumption have deep cultural significance in many regions, such as in Argentine *asado* traditions, American barbecue culture, and as a central element in Japanese *Kobe beef* cuisine, often tied to histories of cattle ranching and culinary heritage.
CPI-M
“CPI-M” does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. It is the acronym for the **Communist Party of India (Marxist)**, a major political party in India founded in 1964 after a split from the Communist Party of India. Therefore, it is an organization with a political history rather than a physical location for tourism or cultural heritage.
BJP
“BJP” refers to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is a major political party in India, not a physical place or cultural site. Founded in 1980, it has its ideological roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the broader Hindu nationalist movement. It has grown to become one of the country’s dominant political forces, forming the central government for multiple terms since the late 1990s.
