While there is much debate surrounding the issue of “intolerance”, Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch and member of “Margdarshak Mandal” L.K.
While there is much debate surrounding the issue of “intolerance”, Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch and member of “Margdarshak Mandal” L.K. Advani rejected the contention and stressed that there is no question mark on the freedom of expression in the country.
“I do not know who are the people saying that there is no freedom of expression in India. This right has always been there and such a question does not arise today,” Mr Advani told reporters after a flag-hoisting ceremony at his residence.
Incidentally, Mr Advani, along with senior BJP leaders Murali Manohar Joshi and Yashwant Sinha, are said to be unhappy with the party leadership.
Mr Advani had given a miss to the re-election ceremony of BJP chief Amit Shah. When asked what transpired in his meeting with Mr Shah, the BJP patriarch declined to comment.
A number of celebrities, from films to literature, have recently voiced concerns over the rising incidences of intolerance in the country.
“People fought against attempts to stifle freedom of expression during the British rule,” said Mr Advani, who also referred to the Emergency as he recalled that when “our government” tried to do so, people fought back.
The veteran BJP leader said the only concern today should be about arousing patriotism in every citizen and how people in every field can become patriots.
Mr Advani wished that though on Republic Day, it was natural for a feeling of nationalism to be present all around, efforts should be made to keep it alive all the time by the means of education and sport besides others methods. BJP leaders and Union ministers Najma Heptulla and Rajiv Pratap Rudy were present.
