Dissenting voice getting silenced: Dua

BHUBANESWAR: Eminent journalist Hari Krishan Dua on Monday expressed concern over rising intolerance in the country and attempt to silence dissenting voice. “Democracy is deliberately brought under assault as intolerance steadily raises its ugly head in different parts of the country. Dissenting voice is now termed as anti-national. A curious tension is prevailing in the country which is not good for democracy,” Dua said at the 33rd annual function of Odia daily ‘Sambad’ here.

Noting that democracy respects dissenting opinion, the former Rajya Sabha member, without naming Narendra Modi Government at the Centre, said the refusal to accept opposite views has its effect on governance. Cabinet colleagues and bureaucrats are no more inclined to give independent opinion, which is no more solicited.What is worrisome is that great institutions such as Parliament, judiciary and the Press are getting degenerated. The tragedy is that many lawmakers have spent several years behind the bars, he said.

Describing demonetisation move of the Centre as a faulty decision and a flawed strategy, Dua said common people were punished for limited gain. Besides, the Prime Minister took the decision without consulting his Cabinet colleagues, RBI and even his Finance Minister. Stating that the Press is under attack, the veteran journalist said serious efforts are being made by the ruling dispensation to ensure that it is spared from media criticism.

Noted environmentalist and social activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt urged the media to create awareness about climate change and its effect on agro-climatic behaviour affecting agriculture and productivity.
Stating that natural calamities are visiting different parts of the country and mostly coastal areas with vengeance, Bhatt said the 1999 super-cyclone or Badrinath flood are all due to climate change. Media has to play a crucial role in creating awareness among the people on climate issues, he said. ‘Sambad’ Editor Soumya Ranjan Patnaik presided over the function.