A documentary on alleged vote manipulation in Maharashtra has triggered a controversy after an attempt by the Congress to circulate it via bulk SMS was blocked. The party claims the rejection was on the grounds that the film amounted to “protest content”, something it has described as censorship.

The 35-minute documentary, Maharashtrat Saglyat Mothi Chori Kashi Jhali Paha, is made by senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta. Congress had planned to share a YouTube link of the film with its cadre across the state. According to party leaders, their application to send the SMS was turned down on Saturday, with the content flagged as protest material.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued a clarification stating it had no role in the matter.

“The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has noted certain media reports alleging that TRAI has rejected the application of a political party for sending SMS to its workers in Maharashtra. TRAI categorically denies any role in the acceptance or rejection of such campaigns. Approval or rejection of SMS templates is carried out by the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).”

Bulk SMS in India is governed primarily by the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018. While TRAI issues the regulations, it does not approve or reject individual SMS campaigns or templates. Telecom Service Providers are usually responsible for reviewing and approving bulk messages. 

Paranjoy Guha Thakurta said it is “highly unusual” for any authority “to say this is protest content”. “One can see the documentary and then decide. It’s not one-sided – it includes voices from both BJP and Congress.”

 Praveen Chakravarty, chairman of Professionals Congress and head of the party’s data analytics cell, claimed it was the first time such an application was rejected. “We wanted to send our Maharashtra cadre the YouTube link… As per procedure, we applied through the regulator. The request was rejected, citing protest content…it’s obvious someone is coordinating behind the scenes.”

Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe claimed: “There is nothing objectionable or remotely protest-like in the film. This shows that institutions are working to suppress any information about vote theft in Maharashtra.”

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