BBC Row: Documentary screened in B'luru for the first time

The All-India Students Association (AISA) has screened the BBC documentary in Bengaluru for the first time.

However, the ruling BJP has put the ball in the police's court saying that it is for them to act.

Joint Spokesperson for BJP Prakash. S, on Monday said, "It is for the police to act, if a banned documentary is screened." BJP insiders stated that it is the age of the internet and the party is not really bothered about the screening.

The twitter handle of the student association said, "Screening of the #BBCdocumentry 'India:The Modi Question' on 28th January, Saturday in Bangalore. Not just students from various colleges but trade union members from @aicctukar also joined. The screening was followed by a discussion among the students."

Reacting to the development, the Karnataka Education department maintained that since the screening did not take place in any of the schools or colleges, no action could be taken.

AISA had screened the documentary late on Saturday night at its office on Infantry Road. It had put out an invite on social media on January 25 and invited people to discuss the rise of communalism in India.

However, the invitation did not mention the name of the documentary. Association members claim that about 40 students had gathered to watch the documentary and take part in the discussion.

According to sources, students came from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Azim Premji University, Christ College, the Saint Joseph's College and others. All India Central Council of Trade Union also watched the documentary.

The screening was smooth without any disturbance. The AISA members termed the ban on the documentary a "violation" of freedom and rights.

Police sources said that they have not received any complaints so far.