YouTube blocks Vartha Bharati Channel's Debate Video on Manipur Violence
Mangaluru: YouTube has blocked a video of the debate conducted by Vartha Bharati channel on the sexual assault of two women in Manipur, citing it as unsuitable for its viewers. The discussion, part of the program 'The Big Debate,' titled 'Naked Parade of Women in Manipur; Nation Stunned,' was aired live on Vartha Bharati's YouTube channel at 8 pm on Thursday. Within an hour, the video garnered over 8,000 views, but on Friday, it was marked as 'private (blocked),' denying further access to viewers.
The Central Government issued an order on Thursday to social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, to remove all provocative posts, including videos, related to the Manipur incident.
However, Vartha Bharati's debate video did not contain any video clips or photos related to the Manipur incident. It only featured images of the accused, without showing any pictures or videos of the victims of the assault. Additionally, debates on the violence and sexual attack on women in Manipur were conducted and posted on several other YouTube channels, not just Vartha Bharati's.
Vartha Bharati had approached the BJP with a request to send a representative to speak on the program, but the party's media in charge declined, stating that Prime Minister Modi had already addressed the country on the issue and condemned the incident in Manipur, and declined to participate in the program.
Consequently, the debate proceeded with speakers from the Congress, the JD(S), and two social activists, with senior journalist Manjula Mastikatte anchoring the program.
YouTube has said that while the content doesn't necessarily break any of their Community Guidelines, it may not be appropriate for all its viewers. Vartha Bharati had appealed to YouTube to lift the blockade on their debate video, but the request was rejected by the video streaming platform.
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Controversy surrounding book on Shivaji Maharaj 'unwarranted', says Fadnavis
Solapur (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday termed as "unwarranted" the controversy over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in which Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly made objectionable remarks against its publisher.
An audio clip surfaced last week on social media, in which Gaikwad was heard using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi. The MLA referred to the book titled 'Shivaji Kon Hota' (Who was Shivaji), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988.
Talking to reporters here, CM Fadnavis, "The book was published in the 1980s. Have those who have raked up a controversy read the book? The stature of the warrior king is so big that no one can insult him. Whatever is happening is anti-social and insensitive."
The controversy over the book is unwarranted, he said, and cautioned against attempts to sensationalise issues merely to remain in the news.
When asked about the BJP's candidates for the upcoming legislative council polls, Fadnavis said appointments and candidate selections are decided by the party's parliamentary board, and not by him individually.
"All decisions will be taken as per the party process," he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and outcomes will be known after due deliberations.
Nine council members, including former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, are retiring on May 13. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, polling will be held on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm, and the entire process is expected to be completed by May 13.
The BJP has decided to contest four of the nine seats in the biennial elections.
On the sugar sector, he said the state has consistently achieved over 99 per cent of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments to farmers, though there may be minor fluctuations due to market conditions affecting sugar mills.
He added that the government has extended support to the sector and held meetings to address issues faced by factories. A committee has been formed to review post-season challenges and suggest policy measures, including possible assistance from the Centre.
