Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju said here on Sunday that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee “is very intolerant and not prepared to listen to others,” adding that “politicians should be able to put up with criticism.”
“The people have a right to criticise you and you must listen to that” was the former Supreme Court judge’s advice to Ms. Banerjee.
“The one defect in the Chief Minister is that she wants yes-men around her,” he said, while speaking to The Hindu.
Referring to Chanakya, the philosopher and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first Home Minister, he said, “a ruler should have good advisers.” “Mamata should also be like that and listen to her advisers.”
He, however, had a word of praise for Ms. Banerjee. “I have said in the past that she has an integrity which is very rare. She leads a simple life and feels for the common people.”
Referring to incidents where Ms. Banerjee was widely criticised for her intolerance of dissent — the arrest of a university professor for circulating an e-mail containing graphics directed at her, calling a student a Maoist during a television show and the arrest of a farmer at a rally addressed by her for raising a question over the hike in fertilizer prices — Justice Katju said: “If she apologises she will go sky-high in the minds of the people.”
Keywords: Markandey Katju advice, political criticism, Mamata Banerjee
Nothing new. Yes she is intolerant and do not like criticism but the timing of your comment suggest that congress high command has asked you to say so.
Mr Katju is selective on his targets.I have no issue with him if he
calls Mamta intolerant.The real issue is he won't comment on other
intolerant leaders whom he does not want to offend.
He rushed a strong message to Maharastra CM when two girls were
arrested,but no such strong message when a mango man was arrested for
tweeting in Pondicherry.
Respected justice Katju,
Hats off to you as you are into a prophetic mission!!
Your timely comments and inevitable interferances with current affairs, including the recent arrests of 2 young girls in Mumbai are praise worthy!! Many people salute you and maintain high regard for your noble deeds in the society.
We want a few more like spirited people of your genre to guide the great Indian nation from the erroding democratic values, threat on free speech, deep rooted corruption, and political nepotism and fundamental facism.
Wish you all success in your likewise endeavours.
very apt!
Sir,
Your comments and views are very open and clear. That is what we expect from persons who are holding higher offices. "Prepare to listen to others" it is a excellent advice to Mamta Madam, please forward the same advice to Jayalalitha Madam too!
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