Kolkata, 24 November — Senior BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Roopa Ganguly on Monday raised serious allegations of political meddling within Bengal’s film and television sector. Speaking at the BJP’s Salt Lake office, Ganguly said that technicians, artists and small filmmakers are facing unprecedented pressure and restrictions.
She criticised the Federation for dictating mandatory hiring norms that prevent new directors from making documentaries or low-budget films. She questioned why individuals who did not attend award ceremonies featuring the Chief Minister later face professional difficulties.
Ganguly also recalled the RG Kar agitation, alleging that several members of the film fraternity, despite having diverse political ideologies, were compelled to apologise for participating in protests. She said technicians often refuse to work with certain directors due to political leanings, calling it an alarming trend of politicisation on the sets.
While acknowledging that technician wages have recently risen, Ganguly said the state is witnessing an exodus of production houses, with only a few large companies still functioning.
She further referred to legal disputes and an alleged self-harm incident involving a technician, describing them as signs of a deteriorating atmosphere within the industry.
Expressing hope for change, Ganguly said she believes the industry will eventually overcome political pressure and once again become a space that supports creativity, harmony and professional freedom.
