- Make no mistake: any civilized disposition, including the exchange of diverse viewpoints emanating from a strong sense of passion/conviction towards a particular topic/issue/matter, should not only be respected for what it is but also encouraged to air the same without any fear. A true hallmark of a robustly functioning democratic form of government is the provision of freedom of speech and expression, even when this goes against the ruling dispensation’s policies/governance. The administration is expected to accommodate every divergent aspect that may not be palatable or conducive to the government of the day. Indisputably, the beauty of democracy itself is to willingly encourage and accommodate as many diverse viewpoints as is possible.
PC: LiveLaw
- Unlike other forms of government, viz. autocratic, theocratic, authoritarian, military, dictatorship, and monarchies, the democratic form is emphatically based on the will of the people. For example, the Indian Constitution is premised on: for the people, by the people, and of the people. We, the people of India, choose our elected representatives to further the cause of the nation. We, the people of India, hold the true power, and the political leaders elected as our representatives merely propound our viewpoints in formulating policies, guidelines, and measures in line with the aspirational society aiming for the big. As such, constitutional positions such as the President, the Prime Minister, the Governor, and the Chief Minister are in place to facilitate this aspect.
PC: Mid-Day
- Unfortunately, what is being witnessed in the country is that the political parties, irrespective of their affiliations/philosophies/ideologies, are hitting below the belt by passing on comments that are not only condescending but also grossly unparliamentary. People holding some of the highest constitutional positions, like the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country, are being addressed in an uncivilized manner by indulging in name-calling, casually brushing aside the statements attributed to these authorities, and using inappropriate language to describe how they shoulder the responsibilities. It’s one thing to have opposite viewpoints about the government’s policies, but blatantly initiating vituperative and expletive-ridden dressing-down is uncalled-for.
PC: Sabrang India
- We know the Indian political narrative is largely based on the labyrinthine caste equations, further layered by the communal versus secular intrigue that has only strengthened enormously over the decades. However, this does not preclude our political leadership from exhibiting respect and reverence for the high positions on certain matters, including national security and sovereignty. Most disturbingly, the opposition parties simply appear to be reckless by toting out personal attacks demeaning the constitutional positions in plain view. Yes, we expect the opposition leaders to corner the government on every matter concerning the nation. But decency and civilized exchanges should define such interactions, not cringe-worthy expletives thrown casually around.
