Intriguing silence

That Karnataka felt obliged to provide security cover to 18 of its intellectuals, including Girish Karnad, following the murder of firebrand journalist Gauri Lankesh is a sad reflection of our democracy. This shows that one needs state patronage to be able to exercise his or her right to freedom of expression. It is an acknowledgement of the prevailing atmosphere of fear. 

While Sringeri Assembly member and district president of the Bharatiya Janata Party D N Jeevaraj allegedly said Lankesh would have been alive had she not criticised the party and Hindutva forces, some right-wing elements pointed fingers at Naxals. 

It is on this ground that the BJP leadership faults the Karnataka government for its alleged failure to provide her with necessary security. This is not only a red herring, but also diabolical. While people condole her death, the Prime Minister’s silence is intriguing, to say the least.

S K Choudhury   Bengaluru

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