Tags:
Journalism of Courage
AT A TIME when BJP protests over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in London have stalled Parliament for four days, BJP MP Varun Gandhi has turned down an invitation from Oxford University, UK, to speak on the Narendra Modi government’s performance.
The invite was sent by the office of Matthew Dick, president of the Oxford Union, to speak on the motion ‘This House Believes Modi’s India is on the Right Path’.
Declining the invite, Varun Gandhi, the MP from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, who has been critical of several measures of the Modi government, said he felt such issues should be raised “within India to Indian policymakers”, and that he believed the topic was one “with a predefined conclusion”. He also said that there were ample opportunities to speak on the matter within the country.
The BJP has accused Rahul of vilifying India by suggesting during his interactions in the UK that democracy was under threat in the country under the Modi government, and that his voice was muffled. The BJP has been protesting in Parliament seeking an apology from the Congress leader.
In his reply to the Oxford Union, Varun said he gave “priority to participate in national debate both within Parliament and through other fora in a constant and constructive manner”. “I see no merit or integrity in vocalising internal challenges in an international forum.”
Varun expressed his gratitude for the invite, calling it “a mark of a great honour”. “For an ordinary citizen of a great democracy, participation in such events can be a small contribution towards enabling discourse and heightening the level of debate. I thank you for the privilege. However, I believe this topic at hand is one with a predefined conclusion and hence I would like to decline this opportunity.”
He further wrote: “India is on the right path for development and inclusiveness – a path that has been laid out and followed on by governments of varied political affiliations over the past seven decades since Independence, with a push for robust economic growth, revitalising agriculture, education and healthcare and putting India’s interest first.”
Varun added: “Citizens like me regularly have the opportunity to discuss topics like this, with ease, in India – raising criticism of government policies in the public square and the august Parliament. However, such criticism must be given within India to policymakers. Raising them outside of India would be inimical to India’s interests and a dishonorable act. Politicians like me may have our differences on individual policies at the Centre and state level, however we are all together on the same path for India’s rise.”
The Oxford Union invite said: “Having been in office since 2014, Modi’s rule has catapulted India to greater prominence on the global stage. Many equate his policy agendas to robust economic growth, tackling corruption, and putting ‘India first’. On the other hand, Modi’s administration has been criticised for mishandling a growing discontent within the agricultural sector, instigating conflict between religious groups, and failing to revitalise the health and education sectors. Against the backdrop of ever-strong popularity among voters, it is imperative to discuss whether the BJP’s direction under Modi has been more polarising than unifying. The question then becomes: what (or who) is the right path for India as it forges ahead into the future.”
On why Varun was selected to speak, the Oxford Union invite says that as an MP, he has been an active participant in politics and in his position as a prominent member of the BJP, pushed for reform in a range of areas, such as healthcare and education.
“This work offers valuable insight into some of the challenges facing India at the moment, and his views on the BJP’s handling of these would certainly enhance this debate.”
The debate was scheduled for April-June. Asked about the invite and Varun declining it, Oxford Union president Dick said he did not want to comment on the matter.
