From The Kerala Story To Bharat Vs India Debate: Biggest Controversies Of India In 2023

In 2023, India experienced a series of controversies that prompted widespread discussions. Ranging from minor incidents to highly shocking scandals, these controversies grabbed headlines, fuelled heated conversations, and ignited debates on various social media platforms. The topics of contention spanned from controversial films to public protests against the government. Here, we outline some of the noteworthy controversies that unfolded in 2023, capturing the attention of the nation and remaining subjects of debate for several weeks.

‘The Kerala Story’ Controversy

'The Kerala Story,' directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, featured Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani. The film focused on forced religious conversion, claiming that around 32,000 women in Kerala were converted to Islam, with some allegedly taken to ISIS-ruled Syria during the peak of the terror group's influence.

Following the trailer's release, protests erupted, accusing the movie of promoting hate speech against the Muslim community, and calls for a ban ensued. Despite the controversy, the Supreme Court declined to halt the film's release, asserting that it fell outside its jurisdiction and did not constitute 'hate speech.' The movie, however, continued to screen, sparking various controversies.

India Vs Bharat Controversy

At the G20 summit, a dinner invitation addressed to guests referred to Droupadi Murmu as the 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India.' Critics of the government, especially those opposed to Prime Minister Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP, suggested that the invitations hinted at a potential change in the official name to just 'Bharat.'

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The term 'Bharat' has historical roots in Sanskrit scriptures dating back around 2,000 years. The move prompted strong criticism from the opposition who accused the Modi government of distorting history and fostering division within India. Social media also became a battleground for various controversies, with many people using the platform to criticise the government for this perceived change. However, there has been no change as of yet.

The Wrestlers' Protest Controversy

India's renowned wrestlers, including Olympic medallists such as Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, have united in protest against the actions of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India. The protests were triggered by allegations of sexual harassment made by female wrestlers who have had professional dealings with Singh. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, has held the position of President of the Wrestling Federation of India since 2011. His political career includes being elected as an MP six times, with five terms under the BJP and one under the Samajwadi Party.

BBC Documentary Controversy

The BBC documentary featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi stirred controversy across multiple platforms, spanning from Parliament to social media. Split into two parts released on January 17 and January 24, 2023, the documentary faced subsequent prohibition. Opposition parties voiced concerns in Parliament, and the content gained widespread attention on the internet. A petition was filed in the Supreme Court requesting a ban on BBC in India. Screenings of the documentary in various locations resulted in arrests. The documentary delved into the events surrounding the 2002 Gujarat anti-Muslim riots.

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Deepfake Controversy

The popular actress Rashmika Mandanna has become embroiled in a controversy surrounding a viral deepfake video. The video, circulating widely on social media, depicts a woman entering an elevator, with her face digitally altered to resemble Rashmika Mandanna. This incident has raised significant concerns, prompting calls for legal action and sparking controversies on various social media platforms. Before this, both Kajol and Katrina Kaif had also been victims of deepfake technology, with their faces manipulated to resemble someone else. This issue has garnered a nationwide response, drawing comments from actors, union ministers, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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