A non-event like the JNU incident is being allowed to dominate proceedings in Parliament with the HRD Minister, Smriti Irani, grandstanding on the floor of the House in the manner of an actor in a serial (“ >Congress to move privilege motion against Smriti Irani ”, Feb.28).
An objective assessment of the manner in which the Minister is handling her portfolio shows that she is may be out of her depth. Why are campuses on the boil and why is she unable to defuse any situation related to student affairs? Universities are cauldrons of ideas where thoughts are exchanged freely without fear or favour. Why was the Minister giving needless publicity to a leaflet by reading it out in Parliament? Students being students will be quick to change their attitudes and thinking. The issue would have died a natural death in a few days. The sad part in all this is that the BJP seems to be getting caught up in needless controversies when the more important task of governance is being ignored.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Ms. Irani’s oratorical skills may have silenced the Opposition, but her version of the incident seems to flounder, especially if one considers the facts put out by Rohith Vemula’s mother. However, our precious time seems to have been wasted in what seems to have become mass entertainment on television. Even one of the most important sessions, the Railway Budget, seems to have been lacklustre as the media has been busy focussing on irrelevant issues.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Chennai
It defies comprehension why leaders of the Congress and other Opposition parties are getting worked up over Ms. Irani’s attempts to present a factual account of the happenings in Jawahalal Nehru University. She read out only what was published as a pamphlet to substantiate her allegations of the institution being a place for anti-religious and anti-national activities. Her intent was not to insult Hindus as is being made out by the Opposition. What was started as an institution of higher learning, and named after one of the most liberal thinkers of modern India, to promote free thinking seems to have lost its way somewhere.
S.V. Venkatakrishnan,
Bengaluru
Usually, moving a privilege motion against a member is resorted to only when there are serious charges against the person. The conduct of this member must be proven to be undermining Parliament’s authority. Why should happenings at a university be allowed to hog the limelight? A privilege motion on an inconsequential matter is laughable. Members of Parliament should know that the proceedings of each session are beamed live into every drawing room and any discussion on trivial matters only shows how shallow things are.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
The heated argument on caste by Ms. Irani and BSP leader Mayawati in the Rajya Sabha has only caused anguish in many of us. Ms. Irani’s offer to cut her head off and lay it at the feet of Ms. Mayawati if she failed to convince her with her points was in bad taste. Should not a Union Minister be cautious in her utterances, especially when in the Rajya Sabha? Today, campuses are on the boil because of right-wing activism. Therefore, one wonders how the flawed explanations and reasons given by the HRD Minister. in high decibels. will cut ice. It is also unfortunate that she has conveniently omitted to comment on the hooliganism at the Patiala House courts by a set of lawyers.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai
Ms. Irani’s attempt to portray JNU students as anti-nationals is unbecoming of her standing as a Union Minister. It shows her failure to understand and appreciate India as being a land of diversity enriched with different cultures, religions, languages, beliefs and ideologies. She also fails to acknowledge the fact that the right to freedom of religion is a fundamental one and applies to everyone whether they are worshippers of Durga or of Mahishasura. As a Minister she should be able to think beyond her personal beliefs and practices. Her dramatic speeches only substantiate the Opposition’s allegations that the government is intolerant.
Rekha S.,
Alappuzha, Kerala