[rushabh]

Yes there is increasing threat to freedom of speech, but India is not new to this. The left leaning Congress had even worse norms when they imposed martial law (Emergency).

India has a robust sphere of public debate and draconian laws and acts of discrimination by the government are regularly criticised. In more cases than not the government embarrasses itself by its clumsy use of power to restrict opposition, like in the case of the BBC documentary which did not uncover anything new.

Constant vigilance is required. I am not a BJP supporter, but I don't think the intent of the BJP is to suppress debate. They seek legitimacy. BJP is clearly toning down its more radical elements and is getting more mature judging by the way it allowed the Bharat Jodo Yatra (Join India Campaign) and understands that a robust opposition is in national interest.

I am more hopeful than this article.

[adharmad]

What does "allowed the Bharat Jodo Yatra" mean? Free speech and assembly is constitutionally protected - there is nothing for the government to allow or disallow.

[0x5FC3]

> judging by the way it allowed the Bharat Jodo Yatra

I mean, sure, yeah, we're not North Korea yet. And is that the bar we are setting for the "World's largest democracy?"

[selfhoster69]

> it allowed the Bharat Jodo Yatra (Join India Campaign) and understands that a robust opposition is in national interest.

Last time I checked India was still a democracy.

[yiamvino]

. BJP is clearly toning down its more radical elements how exactly this is measured? do you have any stats to support your claim not the observation going whats printed on the media / social media.

[supriyo-biswas]

It is useful to realize that either side is moved by the allure of power, and it's a fool's errand to justify the current situation with whataboutism - either instance was wrong.

[rushabh]

I am not justifying the situation. I don't buy the overly negative prognosis.

[throwaway2056]

> n't buy the overly negative prognosis.

No one need to buy negative opinions or so but trying to suppress truly occurring issues is childish. One needs to be mature to accept criticism. Whether twitter or elsewhere...

Again as a OCI, pointing out any issue is treated by this govt more as unpatriotic. (This strategy was successfully used by Bush/Trump to polarize the US). It is not good in the long term to do that.

Again many of the complaints are not out of spite. It is truly from heart many have optimism and feel let down. This is even inside the Indian consulate - I once was told that visit us only if you want to give a positive vibe (when I politely asked them as they printed place of birth with typo).

Note that US citizens complain about NSA spying, abortion rights etc.

Given poor law/order people can disappear in India. Take citizens that are languishing in prison. Again US police are not perfect but there are due procedures in the DOJ-USA. And getting a driving license or registering a house in US/EU will not need bribes.

Listening to complaints is the first step.

One can politely disagree. By banning things they create a chilling effect.

and please do not all the time compare to Congress govt. This is similar to blaming British. Yes, all that happened - just move on - NOW do good to current citizens.

No point in having dirty beaches complaining about Congress or British.

[xxpor]

The Emergency was 50 years ago. Things change over time.