Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has strongly advocated for the rights of student protesters, asserting that dissent cannot be suppressed merely by removing it from public view. Speaking out against the government's approach, Tharoor highlighted the crucial role of parliamentary debate in addressing national concerns.
Parliament's Role in National Discourse
Tharoor questioned the fundamental purpose of Parliament if it fails to serve as the primary forum for elected representatives to address public grievances, scrutinize executive actions, and seek resolutions for pressing social issues. He criticized the government for seemingly indicating that street protests are unwelcome within the legislative chambers.
"If Parliament is not the forum for the nation’s elected representatives to ventilate public grievances, interrogate executive overreach, and seek solutions to pressing social crises, then what purpose does it serve?" Tharoor wrote in an opinion piece.
He referenced the actions of Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) as "classically Gandhian," suggesting that the government could have easily engaged in dialogue rather than resorting to coercion.
The Dangers of Suppressing Dissent
According to Tharoor, a government that closes the door to parliamentary debate and deploys police force on public streets creates a perilous vacuum. He warned that dissent, rather than disappearing, merely internalizes, fostering cynicism and alienation among the youth. He cited accounts from female students at Jantar Mantar who reported being manhandled by police and witnessing brutal assaults by plainclothes officers.
Tharoor stressed that democracy is sustained through open debate, not by enforcing silence. He reminded authorities that the right to peaceful assembly is a foundational right, forged during India's freedom struggle, and not a privilege granted by the state.
Call for Dialogue and Inquiry
The Congress MP urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with student representatives instead of relying on police containment measures. He called for an independent judicial inquiry into the excessive use of force, pellet injuries, and lathi-charges reported against non-violent protesters.
Tharoor reiterated that Parliament is the rightful "deliberative sanctuary of the republic" where such discussions should take place. He concluded by emphasizing the need to assure India's youth that their voices can be heard within the corridors of power, without the necessity of being "battered and bruised on the streets."