Engage in Debate, Not Vandalism While Expressing Dissent: Jaitley

Finance Minister says those indulging in vandalism as a symbol of protest are starting a dangerous trend.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday came out strongly against the “extremely disturbing trend” of people resorting to vandalism to register contrarian views. Jaitley said there has to be a proper “civilised mode” of discussing and debating issues.

“All right-thinking sections will have to distance themselves from these methodologies,” he said when asked about BJP ally Shiv Sena’s protest against the BCCI-PCB meet and the book launch of former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri.

Those who are using these methods must also introspect on whether they are adding to the quality of Indian democracy or reducing India’s credibility.
— Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister

‘Vandalism an Extremely Disturbing Trend’

• People resorting to vandalism as an instrument of registering their protest are starting “an extremely disturbing trend”, particularly because some of these issues are extremely serious. We had a tradition of civility in conveying diverse opinions.
• There are issues which impinge on our relations with our neighbouring countries and therefore there has to be a civilised mode of discussing and debating them.
• We have to engage in a manner in which we are able to raise the level of debate rather than use vandalism.
• All right thinking sections will have to distance themselves from this method.
• It is natural for people have contrarian views because that is the essence of democracy and debate.

Same Rulebook for Allies and Oppn: Jaitley

• What is “disturbing” is when these acts of vandalism are increasingly “publicised”, many others are feeling encouraged to use similar methods.
• I think this applies equally to all. We will all have to have the same standard whether it is a political opposition or an ally.
• We must realise that we have to convey our opinion and differences in a more restrained manner.
• I don’t think anybody in the BJP has resorted to these methods. Some people have made some statements on sensitive issues and the party President has strongly taken it up with them.
• I am sure all our spokespersons have been conducting themselves in accordance with the spirit which I have just represented.