I- Shahabuddin's Letter to Prasar Bharati, 17 December, 1997

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting had informed the Lok Sabha on 20.11.1997 that DD-1 and DD-2 channels are to telecast programmes on great personalities and named Buddha, Rana Pratap, Shankaracharya, Gandhiji and Ahilyabai Holkar. I feel that the selection should be more broad based.

May I suggest Ashok, Akbar, Sirajud Daula, Tipu Sultan, Abul Kalam Azad and Subhash Chander Bose. In my view a list should be finalised in advance so that there is no criticism later.

II - Shahabuddin's Letter to Prasar Bharati, 27 December, 1997

It has been reported that the telecast the serial on Rana Pratap will be made with effect from January, 1998 and this cover the election campaign. One can imagine its exploitation by the Hindutva forces for generating electoral support for the BJP. I request that the telecast be deferred to after the General Elections.

III - Prasar Bharati's Reply, 5 January, 1998

... The telecast of this serial was approved and slot allowed much before I received your letter. In fact the serial is on the air. But you may rest assured that no communal overtones would be allowed to creep into it. (Source: Mr. S.S. Gill, Chief Executive, Prasar Bharati's Letter

No.23/CEO/23/98 dated 5 January, 1998 to S. Shahabuddin)