Thu May 08 13:56:07 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Dalit Group Condemns Censorship of Jyotirao Phule Biopic

**Kalaburagi, Karnataka, May 8, 2025** – The Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) in Karnataka has strongly criticized the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for demanding the removal of several scenes from the recently released biopic on social reformer Jyotirao Phule. The film’s release was delayed from April 11th to April 25th due to the CBFC’s requests.

According to DSS State convener Arjun Bhadre, the CBFC ordered the removal of 12 scenes, including depictions of a man carrying a broom and boys throwing cow dung at Savitri Bai Phule. Several dialogues containing words like “Kshudra,” “Peshwa,” “Mang,” and “Mahar” were also cut.

Bhadre argued that the film, meticulously researched and based on historical sources, aimed to portray historical truth. He contrasted this with the CBFC’s lack of objections to the film “The Kashmir Files,” highlighting what he termed a double standard in the board’s approach to censorship. The DSS believes the cuts are a form of censorship aimed at suppressing the portrayal of historical events.

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