The release of the film L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has ignited significant controversy due to its portrayal of the alleged 2002 Gujarat riots. Former Union minister and current Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has publicly revised his initial enthusiasm for the film, now expressing his disappointment in the type of storytelling involved.

Initially, Chandrasekhar had taken to social media to express excitement about the film, stating he was looking forward to enjoying it. However, as backlash grew—particularly from Hindutva organizations branding the film as ‘anti-Hindu’—the BJP’s Kerala unit chose to distance itself from the unfolding drama, asserting that it would allow audiences to form their own opinions post-viewing.

In a prior statement, BJP state general secretary P Sudheer emphasized that the party would not be swayed by cinematic tales, and highlighted that activists from the Sangh Parivar are entitled to share their views.

Amidst escalating tensions surrounding the film, which reportedly received orders from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for 17 cuts, Chandrasekhar shifted his stance. He conveyed his sentiments through a post on X, reflecting on his earlier intention to watch the film. He acknowledged enjoying another Mohanlal film, Lucifer, and conveyed his discontent regarding the significant amendments made to Empuraan. He expressed concern that the film’s controversial topics might disturb viewers, noting, “any film that tries to build a narrative by distorting the truth is doomed to fail.”

As a result, he concluded that he would not watch this sequel and reiterated his disappointment with this style of filmmaking.

Conversely, the Congress party has defended L2: Empuraan, calling it a pan-Indian film and criticizing the campaign against its creators. Kerala State Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkoottathil condemned the backlash, pointing out parallels to those who previously championed freedom of expression for films perceived as promoting unfounded religious narratives, such as the Kashmir Files and Kerala Story.

The landscape surrounding L2: Empuraan remains charged, showcasing the intersection of cinema, politics, and societal narratives in contemporary India.

In anticipation of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival starting on Sunday, March 30, the Uttar Pradesh Government has announced a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and imposed a ban on the sale of meat within a 500-meter radius of religious sites.

Additionally, stringent measures will be enforced on Ram Navami, which falls on April 6, including a complete prohibition on animal slaughter and meat sales.

Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, has instructed district magistrates, police commissioners, and municipal commissioners to swiftly implement the closure of slaughterhouses and enforce the meat sale restrictions near places of worship, as stated by the Uttar Pradesh Government on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The Yogi Adityanath Administration cited previous directives from 2014 and 2017, reiterating that illegal animal slaughter and meat sales near religious locations are strictly forbidden. To ensure compliance, the government has established district-level committees led by district magistrates, comprising officials from various departments, including police, the Pollution Control Board, Animal Husbandry, Transport, Labour, Health, and Food Safety Administration.

In line with the U.P. Municipal Corporation Act of 1959 and the Food Safety Acts of 2006 and 2011, the government has called for rigorous punitive measures against those who violate these regulations.

Director of Information Shishir emphasized, “There will be no meat or fish shops within 500 meters during Navratri. Shops outside this radius must adhere to their licensing terms. Open selling is prohibited, and all meat retailers will be closed on Ram Navami.”

The Chaitra Navratri festival, honoring Goddess Durga, will begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt visit to the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur on Sunday, where he honored the legacies of two influential figures in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and his successor, M S Golwalkar.

Accompanied by prominent leaders, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, former general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who are all associated with Nagpur, Modi visited the memorial located in Reshimbagh, the RSS’s administrative headquarters.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met with RSS officials at the Smruti Bhavan within the complex and posed for group photographs with their members. In a guestbook at the venue, Modi expressed that the memorials symbolize the core values of Indian culture and nationalism, writing, “The memorial of the two strong pillars of RSS is an inspiration to lakhs of swayamsevaks who have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation.”

Modi described his emotions, stating, “I am overwhelmed to visit the Smruti Mandir which cherishes the memories of Param Pujaniya Dr. Hedgewar and Pujya Guruji.”

His visit coincided with the Sangh’s Pratipada program, celebrating Gudi Padwa, which marks the commencement of the Hindu New Year. This visit marks Modi’s first to the Smruti Mandir since he assumed office as Prime Minister. Historical perspectives were noted, especially as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had previously visited the same site on August 27, 2000.

In addition to his tribute at the Smruti Mandir, Modi visited Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, a significant site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and his followers converted to Buddhism in 1956, underscoring the Prime Minister’s commitment to honoring India’s diverse historical and cultural legacy.

Upon Modi’s arrival at the Nagpur airport, he was welcomed by Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister Gadkari, and State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, further highlighting the day’s importance in the context of state and national politics.

This visit not only reinforces Modi’s ties with the RSS but also reflects his ongoing engagement with the cultural and spiritual heritage of India, aiming to inspire solidarity and national service among its citizens.