Full text of Tripura CM Manik Sarkar’s speech that DD, AIR refused to broadcast

A Tripura government press statement alleged that Doordarshan and AIR had recorded Sarkar’s speech but refused to broadcast it unless he “reshaped it”.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Tuesday alleged that Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) refused to broadcast his Independence Day address unless he “reshaped” it and termed it as an “undemocratic, autocratic and intolerant step”.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar inspects 71st Independence Day parade in Agartala on Tuesday. (PTI)

There was no immediate reaction from the Prasar Bharati, which runs Doordarshan and All India Radio.

A Tripura government press statement alleged that Doordarshan and AIR had recorded Sarkar’s speech on August 12. On Tuesday, at 7pm, the Chief Minister’s office was informed through a letter that his speech would not be broadcast unless he “reshaped it”.

The letter purportedly said, “The message of the Chief Minister was closely examined by competent authority. In view of the sanctity of the occasion, the broadcast code and responsibility of the public broadcaster it is not possible to telecast it in the present format.”

“However, Doordarshan/Prasar Bharati will be happy if the chief minister agrees to reshape the content making it suitable to the solemnity of the occasion and sentiment of the people,” it purportedly said.

A statement by the CMO claimed, “The chief minister clearly stated that he would not change a single word and described it as unprecedented, undemocratic, autocratic and intolerant step.”

(With agency inputs.)