Cong, Left giving “colour” to happenings on campuses: Naidu


Team Udayavani, Feb 28, 2017, 9:46 AM IST

New Delhi: Accusing Congress and the Left of trying to give a “different colour” to happenings on some campuses, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said freedom of expression does not mean liberty to advocate disintegration of the country.

“I am surprised about the efforts made by the Congress and the Left to give a different colour to the issues that are happening in a few universities saying it is an assault on freedom of expression,” Naidu told reporters here.

He claimed certain “misguided” sections were trying to mislead the young population and create social tensions, and hurt the sentiments of the people of India.

“Where is the question of not having the freedom of expression? It is guaranteed under the Constitution,” Naidu said. He said there were also certain reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression in place.

“You cannot hurt others’ religious feeling, you cannot question the nation’s unity and integrity. You cannot advocate separatism. Dissent, having a different opinion apart from the majority opinion is agreeable but not disintegration. Nobody can advocate disintegration. What is azaadi? What is azaadi of Kashmir?” Naidu said.

His comments came in the backdrop of a political slugfest following last week’s clashes between activists of RSS- affiliated ABVP and Left-backed AISA over a seminar invite to JNU student Umar Khalid, an accused in a sedition case.

The ABVP, Naidu said is a “nationalistic organisation”, adding those who have different views can also express their them but asked “why should outsiders go and disturb the peace of campuses.” 

“How can anybody advocate azaadi for Jammu and Kashmir?” the senior minister asked noting the Parliament had passed a resolution that the whole of J&K, including PoK, was part of India.

“You want to make universities laboratories for separatist experiments? There is a systematic effort going on – you want to have anniversary for Afzal Guru, who was responsible (for) and spearheaded the attack on Parliament, the temple of democracy. And then you appeal to others that freedom of expression is affected,” he said.

Attacking the Congress, Naidu said the people who had imposed Emergency, put restrictions on fundamental rights, people who put entire opposition behind bars and imposed censorship on the media are now giving sermons on freedom of expression.

“The Congress imposed Emergency while the Left supported the black deeds of Emergency,” he said.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Hema Committee report: Kerala HC expands mandate of nodal officer

Aaditya slams Karnataka Cong MLA for demand to make Mumbai a Union Territory; says ‘won’t tolerate’

Ashwin deserved a fitting farewell: Kapil Dev

‘This type of violence has no place in democracy’: Odisha CM on Sarangi’s injury in Parliament

Surathkal: Revenue inspector caught accepting bribe

VPNs, proxy servers complicate bomb threat investigations, says Delhi Police

RS adjourned for day amid uproar after BJP’s allegations of misconduct by Rahul Gandhi

Related Articles More

Hema Committee report: Kerala HC expands mandate of nodal officer

Bihar: Nitish launches app through which people can report poor road conditions-

Aaditya slams Karnataka Cong MLA for demand to make Mumbai a Union Territory; says ‘won’t tolerate’

Ashwin deserved a fitting farewell: Kapil Dev

India moving forward at ‘unprecedented’ speed under Modi Govt: Rajnath

MUST WATCH

Feeding Birds with Creative Paddy Art!

Areca Nut

HOTEL SRI DURGA BHAVANA

Harish Poonja

Heartwarming Miracle!


Latest Additions

Hema Committee report: Kerala HC expands mandate of nodal officer

Bihar: Nitish launches app through which people can report poor road conditions-

Aaditya slams Karnataka Cong MLA for demand to make Mumbai a Union Territory; says ‘won’t tolerate’

Ashwin deserved a fitting farewell: Kapil Dev

Belthangady boy dies due to electric shock while setting up Christmas decorations

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.