“Controversy Erupts as ‘The Kerala Story’ Receives Tax Exemption in UP, Opposition Mounts in Other States”
“Political Divide: ‘The Kerala Story’ Tax-Free in UP, Demands for Similar Status Grow in Bihar”
PATNA: ‘The Kerala Story’, a film garnering attention and sparking debates, is facing opposition in multiple states, while it has been granted tax exemption in Uttar Pradesh (UP). On Tuesday (May 9), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of UP announced through a tweet that the film would be tax-free in the state. This decision has now triggered demands for tax exemption in other states as well, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urging the Bihar government to follow suit.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh took to Twitter on Tuesday, addressing the Bihar government and requesting tax exemption for ‘The Kerala Story’ in Bihar. Singh shared a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, stating, “The Kerala Story should be made tax-free in Bihar on the lines of UP.”
बिहार के माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री नीतीश कुमार से अनुरोध है कि ‘The Kerala Story’ को टैक्स फ्री किया जाए ताकि ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोग इस फिल्म को देख सकें।@NitishKumar pic.twitter.com/T7yVa3o0U6
— Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) May 9, 2023
Earlier, On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a different stance by banning the film in the state. The film’s increasing popularity has given rise to a combination of discussions and political maneuvering.
The decision has been taken by the cinema halls not to screen the film in Tamil Nadu as well. Amidst all the controversies, many states have made it tax free. The film was embroiled in controversies since the trailer was launched. In many other states it can be made tax free.
Filmmaker and President of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association Ashok Pandit has given a statement on the ban imposed on this film in West Bengal. Said that he condemns the ban on the film ‘The Kerala Story’ by the West Bengal government. This is a big attack on the freedom of expression of a filmmaker. It is sending wrong message to the whole country.
‘The Kerala Story’ has become a focal point of controversy, with varying perspectives among different states regarding its tax status. The film continues to generate extensive discussions both within the film industry and in political circles.