Zee Tamil uses children to spread propaganda on PM Modi, I&B MoS L. Murugan takes cognizance

A recent video from the show Junior Super Stars (Season 4) has gone viral on social media. The show, which is aired on Zee Tamil, is one for young children to come and show case their talents, in a reality show format. Season 4 of this show has Actress Sneha, Bigg Boss fame Samyuktha and RJ Mirchi Senthil as the judges. Comedian Amudhavaanan and actress Kalyani are also part of the show as trainers, for helping and preparing the children for their respective performances.

The video that has gone viral, has two children, in King and Minister costumes. Typically acting out a scene where a King asks his Minister questions related to his governance, the two children speak about economy and politics. The children, who should not be more than 13 years of age, sarcastically take a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the BJP governance at the Centre. Here are some dialogues that the performance had:

King: The biggest setback for our country’s growth is this Black Money. I am going to announce that the old notes will no more be in use. Black Money will then be gone forever, right?

Minister: A similar incident happened in a country called ‘Sindia’. The ruler of that country also ‘idiotically’ did the same thing.

King: So, was Black Money destroyed once and for all?

Minister: Where? Black money is still in existence, because all he did was roam around in coloured Coats.

This conversation is just an example of a performance that lasts for more than 2 minutes. The children then go on to criticise the foreign visits of the Prime Minister and even a few economic decisions of the government. It is to be noted that the young child who plays the role of the Minister, should be less than 10 years old. However, he speaks most of the satirical and insulting statements against the PM.

The children surely cannot have such Political understanding and opinions of their own. It is in the hands of the trainers, i.e., Kalyani and Amudhavaanan, who have given them their script and have prepared them for their performance. All the judges and the two trainers are also seen enjoying and laughing at the performance.

Firstly, it is not appropriate to go for a sarcastic attack on the PM and the Central governance, on a regional reality TV show. Secondly, it is even more inappropriate for it to happen on a Children’s show, because it is also majorly watched by other children. It is also to be noted that this video is being shared on Twitter by opposition parties, that have varying ideologies. You can watch the full video here:

Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai, has now tweeted about the issue too. In the tweet, the leader said, “Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan had contacted me and asked me about the reality TV show in Tamil that telecast some scenes that were disrespectful to the Hon’ble PM of India. He has given an assurity to take action. My thanks to him!”

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