Exhorting the need for dialogue and criticism in democracy, former Supreme Court judge Jasti Chelameswar pointed out that the politicians and lawmakers today are branding their critics as anti-nationals instead of accepting criticism.
Mr. Chelameswar was speaking after inaugurating the book ‘Nela Vidichi Saamu Cheyadam Thaguna?’ a critique on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s government authored by former Minister Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao in the city on Sunday.
Mr. Chelameswar said that politicians in unison think that only whatever they say and do is for the welfare of the public and wouldn’t tolerate any voice against them.
“Earlier people who question the governments and rulers were politically accused as agents of foreign countries or the CIA. After globalisation in the early 90s, none continued to use those words. At present, people who criticise the government are being branded as anti-nationals. This is happening even in the USA. It is not a democracy where criticism is not accepted,” Mr. Chelameswar said.
Referring to a note clarifying the intentions behind the book by Mr. Sobhanadreeswara Rao, Mr. Chelameswar said he didn’t like it.
Opportunity to speak the truth and criticise without being apologetic is real democracy and one needs to take criticism in the same spirit, he said.
Not voicing opinions against the government is like a steam bath where one couldn’t feel the heat and pain immediately even though damage is caused, he added. Quoting Andhra Mahabaratham Mr. Chelameswar said, “The one who is in a position to speak up against an adverse situation but doesn’t do so will be its first victim.”
‘Unilateral decisions’
Mr. Mr. Sobhanadreeswara Rao came down heavily on Mr. Chandrababu Naidu for his unilateral decisions in the selection of capital area and other projects in the State.
He asked why the government which boasts of the first rank in ease of doing business couldn’t provide similar facilities for the farmers.
Central Information Commissioner M. Sridhar said that democracy prevails only when criticism is accepted and respected. Also, mere verbal attacks against opponents is not called criticism, any form of criticism should be constructive, he added.
Retired IAS officer Ajeya Kallam said that implementation of schemes without considering public referendum and expert opinion is not a democracy.
He said that the governments are socialising risk and cost while privatising profits. Later, filmmaker R. Narayana Murthy and Y. Venkateswara Rao of Rythu Nestam magazine were conferred with Rythu Mitra awards for their contribution to farmers. Former MP Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad presided over the function.
