Misusing freedom of expression, from Parliament to social media, is no less than treason against the nation.
New Delhi
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the tricolour flag at the Red Fort, he will address the nation and the world about India’s new strength and bright future. This will fill every ordinary Indian’s head and heart with pride. As we complete 75 years of independence and continue to uphold democracy, we are progressing towards realizing the dream of economic power. In this context, I am reminded of a statement made by the renowned industrialist and economic visionary J.R.D. Tata, who was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1992. This statement carries importance. Mr Tata had said, “I do not wish for India to become an economic superpower. I want India to become a happy country.” At that time, Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh were bringing changes in economic policies. A lot has changed in 30 years. PM Modi has also made several significant economic decisions in nine years. However, he has given more priority to making the common citizen happy than just prosperity. Therefore, a section of society begins to complain that this government, taking a step further from socialist communists, is prioritizing the poor.
While competing with countries like the United States and China, it is essential to pay attention to the fact that any success or achievement, from a physical perspective, will not be meaningful until the needs and interests of the country and its people are fulfilled, and they are obtained in a proper and honest manner. The heights of markets or grand shopping malls do not define a superpower or a prosperous India. We must address the abyss of inequality. Only then will the pride of hoisting the flag be felt not only on the Red Fort or government buildings but in every home and heart. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from Goa to the far reaches of Nagaland and Arunachal, through roadways, railways, and airways, people across the country are coming closer with the dignity of the tricolour.
It is natural to have high expectations from the power structure, parliament, judiciary, and the military while celebrating the festival of independence. However, isn’t it important to realize one’s responsibilities along with rights? Misusing the freedom of expression, from the parliament to social media, to incite innocent people in the name of hatred, violence, and opposition, is no less than treason against the nation. Now, from the oldest Congress party to the newest Aam Aadmi Party, how are the leaders using language and behaviour in Parliament? Congress’ top leader Rahul Gandhi might be a supporter of modern society and culture, but winking, flying kisses, and his party justifying it–can this be considered appropriate in the parliament of any other democratic country? In Western societies, a kiss on the cheek during mutual greetings is considered normal, but can such behaviour be deemed appropriate in the Indian Parliament or court? Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was once a strong supporter of extreme left-wing Maoist ideologies, but while leading the Congress in the Lok Sabha, the way he used extremely inappropriate language resembling abusive remarks towards the Prime Minister, is he not eroding the dignity of the parliamentary system? Taking the name of Mahatma Gandhi, Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party, which emerged from the Anna movement, shouted slogans more than 50 times in front of the Chairman’s seat in the Rajya Sabha. His associate Raghav Chadha also refused to accept certain rules and regulations and was suspended. Their actions are leading to questions about their willingness to uphold laws and regulations. At this point, the Privileges Committee and the Ethics Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the matters involving these three parliamentarians. Nevertheless, as a journalist who has been observing and chronicling parliamentary proceedings since 1972, I have never encountered such incidents before. Consequently, I can only characterize it as a blemish on democracy.
These days, Congress leaders are talking about the threat to freedom. Therefore, it would be appropriate to mention an important statement made by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 August 1954, during an event with editors. Nehru said, “My firm belief is that there is nothing like abstract freedom. Freedom is linked with responsibility, whether it is the freedom of a nation, an individual, a group, or the press. Therefore, whenever we contemplate freedom, we must also inevitably think about our duties associated with it. If it is not connected with accountability and commitment, freedom gradually comes to an end.” During the celebrations of the Amrit Mahotsav of independence, it’s strange to see some opposition or individuals mourning that democracy has ended in the country, that the nation is on the brink of destruction, and instead of the poor, only a few industrialists and businessmen have received billions of rupees. No government can deny the problem of poverty and unemployment, nor can it remain helpless in addressing it. However, due to poverty, hundreds of people lying on the streets can also be seen in affluent nations like the United States, in cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. When Rahul Gandhi accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of benefiting only the Ambani-Adani industrial groups, how does he forget that even during Congress’ rule, these industrialists succeeded and prospered, and even today they are investing billions in their controlled states through legal means? In the United States, are such business groups being labelled as culprits in Parliament for economic issues?
The role of social media in the freedom of expression has been significant. However, in large countries like India, a portion of the population is still influenced by blind beliefs, lack of education, and extreme poverty. Opportunistic organizations and foreign agencies with vested interests continue to manipulate it with misleading propaganda to incite violent disturbances. Manipulative agendas persist to exploit Manipur through disturbing violence and similar efforts have been directed towards states like Mizoram using the power of social media. Hence, whether it is politics or media, it’s necessary to establish certain limits on the rights of freedom of expression.
The government and the Parliament have introduced new regulations for this purpose. Even the judiciary should delineate such boundaries. It is hoped that this time, during the speech at the Red Fort on 15 August, Prime Minister Modi will also emphasize on the achievements and future progress, along with discussing the rights of freedom and expression with pride, urging the citizens to uphold their responsibilities and embrace discipline.
The writer is editorial director of ITV Network-India News and Dainik Aaj Samaj.