The Trinamool Congress (TMC) ended the 34-year-old rule of the Left Parties in West Bengal and came to power with a thumping majority. Chairperson of the ruling party Ms. Mamata Banerjee – Didi – is known for her simplicity and integrity. She is a poet and painter, and holds Rabindranath Tagore in great esteem. Her views on economic policies are controversial. One may argue and oppose the same, but she’s entitled to her beliefs in a democratic setup that India follows. As Voltaire said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Bengal is considered to be the State of intellectuals. Kolkata has a rich tradition of culture, literature and art. Literature and art thrive when there is freedom – freedom to think and freedom to express. But, under the rule of the present government, it is this freedom that is under attack. It is against the spirit of democracy and the Constitution of India.
Recently, the West Bengal Government headed by Mamata Banerjee issued an order to various government and government-aided libraries, instructing them about the newspapers that could be subscribed to by the libraries. The order banned these libraries from subscribing to all newspapers, except a few which are reportedly controlled by supporters of the ruling party.
The role of media, including newspapers, in dissemination of information is vital. The press plays an important role in the formation of opinions. It is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. Ideally, newspapers should not have any bias. But one cannot ban newspapers having leanings towards certain political parties. It is only when various views, opinions and perspectives are freely expressed that the public can form its own opinion. Every individual has the right to express himself as well as to decide what he wants to read. The ruling government cannot decide what the people should read or think. But whenever there is concentration of power in any government or authority or individual, there is always a danger of attempt being made to curb the freedom of expression.
In 1986, the Queen’s Bench Division (R. vs. Ealing Borough Council, ex. p. Times Newspapers Ltd. (1987) 85 L.G.R. 316) quashed decisions by certain UK councils banning publications of Times Newspapers and News Group Newspapers from public libraries. The court held that the order banning the newspapers was abuse of power under the Public Libraries and Museums Act, 1964 of the UK. The principle applies equally in India. Any edict or order of the government, which curbs this freedom, needs to be opposed and struck down. It is patently against the right to information and freedom of expression.
A few days ago, a professor was arrested for circulating on the Internet a cartoon on TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. The arrest was defended and justified by the authorities. Political opponents and media were blamed, alleging attempts to malign Mamata Banerjee. There were protests in various quarters opposing the arrest. The professor himself was physically attacked by supporters of TMC. The incident showed how the government is intolerant towards any expression or views, which are not in sync with the government of the day.
Partho Sarothi Ray, an eminent scientist, was arrested recently for allegedly participating in a rally, though he was not present at the venue. His offence – supporting the demand for compensation for the people evicted from slums on the eastern fringes of Kolkata. He had to languish in jail for 10 days before he was freed on bail. Both arrests created a huge public outcry amongst academicians and social activists. Partho Ray stated that his arrest was a clear infringement of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom to assemble peacefully.
TMC leaders have urged their party workers not to socialise with their political opponents, not even to share a cup of tea, visit their homes or marry a family member of their political opponents. In short, the cadre is directed to boycott political opponents socially.
This trend in West Bengal is bizarre and surely worrying. The state is trying to control what a person should read, what one should think, what one should do in his or her social life. Anybody with a different view and thought is considered an enemy. TMC in its manifesto has stated that its mission is to reconstruct Bengal with a positive attitude, creativity, empathy and always with a human face. The manifesto promised to end Cadre Raj and the party-centric model of governance.
But what we see today is a completely different approach. The attack on freedom of expression is possibly the result of arrogance that comes with power combined with a sense of insecurity.
All over the world, in democratic states, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and right to information are considered sacrosanct. In a civilised democratic society, it is important that people have freedom to think and express without fear. One may or may not accept the other’s point of view, but for a healthy democracy, it is necessary that each one is entitled to his point of view. The West Bengal government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, is attacking just that. This attack, this censorship should end.
