Why should you and I question the government?
What's the story
Democracy has given citizens a brahmastra- the right to question the government.
Sadly the rules of the land don't translate on the ground. Regimes keep changing, voices of dissent are curbed, and free speech remains a joke.
If governments aren't enough, their followers, with their loud voices, make it challenging for anyone to raise questions.
While I understand 'leader worship', even if it isn't healthy, it's equally important to let people (like myself) question the government. Because, why not!
If not now, when?
I want to understand NDA's narrative, not their deflections
Despite the loud noises (read Sambit Patra), the NDA has failed miserably at controlling the narrative.
If they will fight 2019 on development why does Yogi Adityanath want Congress to clarify if they are team Babur or team Rama? And if Ram Mandir is the agenda, why does Prakash Javadekar claim it isn't a poll issue?
We want to know the narrative, BJP!
Twitter Post
Here's (another) proof that BJP loves Mandir-Masjid debate
Sambit to MIM spokesman “Aye Suno Allah ke bhakt ho to baith jao warna kisi masjid ka naam badal kar bhagwan Vishnu ke naam rakh doonga” pic.twitter.com/agM2ClA8SN
— Ravi Ratan (@scribe_it) November 9, 2018
Democracy much?
I want PM Modi to hold press meets
When PM Modi launched his 'Project-2014', everyone was in awe of his oratory skills. His story of tea seller to 7 RCR got louder claps with each rally.
Over the last four years, this is what reporters have got- he has never held a press conference.
A few months ago, he answered ANI questionnaire on email, which hardly qualifies as a press meet.
That press meets aren't held in the world's largest democracy is unfortunate.
Information
And no, Prasoon Joshi never 'interviewed' PM Modi
In April this year, Prasoon Joshi's 'unscripted' Q&A with PM Modi in London raised many eyebrows. Mostly because Joshi seemed in awe of PM Modi and forgot to ask about pressing issues. The session was more about PM Modi's achievements, less about his flaws.
Why not!
I want to hold government against high standards
Anyone who questions the policies of the government does them a favor. It only pushes them to do better.
Why should us, or they, settle for anything less than perfect? We want them to resolve Kashmir issue in a better way, take strides in technology, make the country safer for women and ensure there is no corruption.
Only asking questions is the answer.
You are answerable
And, please don't divert our attention to Opposition's stand
But Congress did the same. Ask Congress to clear its stand on Ram Mandir. Why does Rahul Gandhi not answer questions about Rafale? These statements have been hurled frequently whenever NDA is put on stands.
What champions of the current regime forget is that those questioning the government need answers from them, not deflections.
Don't pass the buck like the leaders, demand answers.
Conclusion
I am not saying no good work has been done
By asking the government to respond to queries, I am not undermining the good work. NDA has built toilets, electrified villages, provided clean fuel in villages, improved India's global standing, constructed roads, pushed Swachh Bharat and improved digital transactions, and I know that.
But for every accomplishment there are a hundred areas which need attention, and if questions aren't asked, perhaps nothing will happen.