My right to freedom of speech and expression: We are in the midst of a pitched electoral battle. Stakes are high for all parties involved. So, it is perfectly possible for an odd supporter or two to take the discussion off course with a few outrageous utterances. As someone who believes in right to freedom of expression without reasonable restrictions in the true spirit of democracy, I am compelled to ask myself on what we should do when we are faced with outlandish, off the top comments. I am not sure I have a coherent view on the nature of my response. But I do have a bunch of thoughts and ideas on how my reaction can be represented. 1. Everyone has a right to unfettered freedom of speech and expression. I do not subscribe to the need for reasonable restrictions viewpoint. 2. Everyones viewpoint is just that. His or her viewpoint. It does not represent the viewpoint of a wider collective. In other words, I view Modis progressive agenda as his agenda if he became the PM and not necessarily the agenda of any subsequent BJP leader who may come to occupy that chair. 3. My view on the other remark is as follows. It is more complicated and less linear. I view the go to Pakistan if you disagree with Modi as the opinion of someone within BJP and not the voice of BJP or a wider collective. Regardless of this, the BJP as a party must clarify this explicitly in order to unambiguously state its position on the issue. This is critical. If this was a note in a private blog, like my musings about an corner of the world, I would not expect the larger collective to speak up. Advanis opinions in his book is a fine example of this principle. I do not seek BJP position statement on the issue. However, this remark was made in the context of an election campaign seeking support from the citizens. Hence it is hard for me to unambiguously state that this is a private opinion and not an unstated expectation of the party or its leader. What is an unstated expectation? I have seen pictures of ministers of a southern state prostrating in front of there leader. This is an example of an unstated expectation from each member. In Congress, any criticism of Party Leader automatically invites the wrath of the party and there are several instances where the member was suspended from the primary membership of the party. So, sycophancy is a stated expectation. In sharp contrast, sycophancy does not seem to be a stated expectation in AAP. In summary, my reaction to a Go to Pakistan type remark depends upon the circumstances. And in this case, it does warrant a clarification. 4. But I do defend his right to express his views no matter how outrageous it actually is. My response is simple. This is my nation and I have the right to express my opinion about Modi and a billion others as well. Where I choose to live is a matter of choice exercised by me. It is none of his business. 5. Finally, I hear Pakistan is not that bad after all. They do have good food and they do play great cricket. So, I do not see it as a go to hell type remark.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Apr 2014 15:58:10 +0000
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