Delegate Himanshi Gupta representing Kiren Rijiju

Position Paper for Lok Sabha

Topic: The Deterioration of Political Climate in India with Special Emphasis on Free Speech and Federalism

The concerns that the political climate of India is deteriorating and the quality of debate in the parliament has declined
are understandable but loosely based. The dignity of the house and the repute of the Parliament must be maintained at
all times. There is a disconnect between what happens inside the house and the information disseminated outside. The
chest-thumping by opposition Members of Parliament who openly boast that they had blocked & stopped the
Parliament Session is shocking. They behaved very rudely, resorted to physical force, and used unparliamentary
language, degrading the status of 'Temple of Democracy'. The nit-picking attitude of the opposition and the
unnecessary trivialization of motions, to shift focus away from important matters has become a hindrance in the
smooth functioning of the government.

As Union Minister of Law, my commitment is towards strengthening the justice delivery system according to the
vision of our respected leader Shri Narendra Modi Ji – my aim is to ensure that speedy justice is available to every
citizen. The Bharatiya Janta Party is guided by nationalism, it has a decisive leadership with a focus on economic and
social inclusion, social justice, infrastructure development, and good governance.

On the matter of Freedom of Speech and Expression, BJP supports that Freedom of expression is never absolute and
unqualified. Freedom of expression in the country does not give rights to make college campuses a hub of anti-national
activity. No anti-India slogans should be allowed in the name of freedom of speech. As stated by honorable BJP
leaders “We support freedom of speech. We fully support dissent and disagreement. But our Constitution allows
dissent not the destruction of the country. We believe that free speech and nationalism can co-exist.” But if India does
not remain united as a strong nation, what is the meaning of freedom?

Coming on to Federalism, Article 246 of the Indian Constitution clearly enumerates the Federal character of the Indian
Constitution. As best articulated by BJP’s slogan “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (one India, great/best India) this
program promotes greater cultural interaction and people-to-people exchanges between different states in India and
celebrates India’s cultural diversity. Contrary to the opposition beliefs that Article 3 merely weakens States, provisions
in Article 3 have actually helped impart flexibility to Indian federalism that enabled India to accommodate diversity
and evolve in ways that have helped to protect the rights of sub-state minorities and respond to assertions of ethnic
identity. The government recognizes the pivotal role of state governments as drivers of transforming India and appeals
to states to imbibe the spirit of cooperative federalism. This Unitary vision of Indian federalism will place center-state
relations on an even keel, strives for harmonious center-state relations, and will revive and make more active moribund
forums like the National Development Council and Inter-State Council.

The words of the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai on the Sedition law, "There is no proposal to
scrap the provision under the IPC dealing with the offense of sedition. There is a need to retain the provision to
effectively combat anti-national, secessionist, and terrorist elements,” have my unwavering support.
As for the Farm Bills, they enable us to meet the requirements of farming in the future and lead to more investment in
agriculture. In the words of Union Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar, "After these bills become Acts, the competition
will increase and private investment will reach villages. Farming infrastructure will be built and new employment
opportunities will be generated. It will encourage the export of agricultural produce. Through these reforms, a farmer
can connect with big traders and exporters to make his farming profitable." It is a disgrace that the Opposition would
label this progressive idea that will essentially help improve the income of farmers as “anti-farmer.”

India is the "Mother of Democracy" and the true spirit of democracy lies in rational discourse and constructive growth.
It is rather unfortunate that the Opposition invalidates pragmatic ideas for the sake of publicity. They should remember
that immoral intention compounds an illegal act. They must learn to support plans that contribute to society and the
whole nation. My belief is that if all national leaders do harness the opportunities available and contribute to national
progress, we will be able to create an environment conducive to all-round growth.