Assam CM's Divisive Rhetoric: A Threat to Governance and Constitution
Assam CM's communal rhetoric undermines governance, violates constitutional principles, and incites division.
Photo by AMIT RANJAN
Editorial Analysis
Assam CM's divisive rhetoric is a threat to governance and constitutional principles, requiring judicial scrutiny.
Main Arguments:
- Sarma's rhetoric targets the Bengali-origin Muslim community, framing them as a demographic threat.
- His statements include calls for economic persecution, such as urging citizens to underpay Muslim rickshaw-pullers.
- These actions divert attention from governance deficits in Assam.
- Sarma's statements violate constitutional principles of secularism and fraternity.
- The Supreme Court should scrutinize these statements, considering the weight of the State's authority behind them.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
The article criticizes Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for using incendiary rhetoric against the Bengali-origin Muslim community. Sarma frames the community as a "demographic threat" and calls for economic persecution. His statements are seen as a diversion from governance deficits and a violation of constitutional principles.
A petition filed in the Supreme Court documents Sarma's pattern of communal targeting. The author argues that Sarma's speeches carry the weight of the State's authority, making them particularly damaging. The Court should recognize the issue as a test of whether its directions on hate speech have any meaning when the offender holds the highest office in a State.
Key Facts
Assam's socio-economic indicators, such as HDI and per capita income, are lower than the national average.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has been accused of using incendiary rhetoric against the Bengali-origin Muslim community.
Sarma frames the community as a "demographic threat" and calls for economic persecution.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court documenting Sarma's pattern of communal targeting.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Constitutional provisions, laws, and judicial pronouncements related to freedom of speech and expression and its limitations.
GS Paper II: Social Justice - Issues related to hate speech and its impact on vulnerable communities.
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude - Ethical considerations related to public discourse and the responsibility of public figures.
Visual Insights
Assam: Location of Concerns Regarding CM's Statements
This map highlights Assam, where the Chief Minister's statements have raised concerns about communal targeting and constitutional principles.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main issue discussed in the article regarding the Assam CM?
The article criticizes Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for using divisive rhetoric against the Bengali-origin Muslim community, framing them as a 'demographic threat' and calling for economic persecution.
2. According to the article, what constitutional principle is potentially violated by the Assam CM's actions?
The article suggests that the Assam CM's rhetoric potentially violates constitutional principles related to secularism and equality, as his statements target a specific community.
3. Why is the Assam CM's rhetoric considered particularly damaging, according to the article?
The article argues that Sarma's speeches carry the weight of the State's authority, making them particularly damaging as they can incite discrimination and violence.
4. What is the role of the Supreme Court in this issue, as highlighted in the article?
The article suggests that the Supreme Court should recognize the issue as a test of whether its directions on hate speech have any meaning when the offender holds the highest office in a State.
5. What are some of the socio-economic indicators of Assam mentioned in the article's Key Facts?
As per the article, Assam's socio-economic indicators, such as HDI and per capita income, are lower than the national average.
6. What is 'hate speech' and how does it relate to Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution?
Hate speech is generally defined as speech that attacks a person or group on the basis of attributes such as race, religion, ethnic origin, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. While Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech, reasonable restrictions can be imposed on this freedom in the interest of public order.
7. What is the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021?
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, aim to regulate online content and hold social media companies accountable for the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
8. How can the Assam CM's rhetoric impact common citizens?
The Assam CM's rhetoric can create divisions within society, leading to discrimination, social unrest, and potentially violence against the targeted community. It can also undermine trust in the government and its ability to protect all citizens equally.
9. What are the potential consequences of ignoring hate speech from high-ranking officials?
Ignoring hate speech from high-ranking officials can normalize such behavior, embolden others to engage in similar rhetoric, and erode the rule of law. It can also lead to a climate of impunity, where those in power are not held accountable for their words and actions.
10. Why is the issue of Assam CM's rhetoric in the news recently?
The issue is in the news because a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court documenting Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's pattern of communal targeting, raising concerns about the violation of constitutional principles and the rise of hate speech.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution: 1. It guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. 2. This freedom is absolute and not subject to any restrictions. 3. Reasonable restrictions can be imposed on this freedom in the interest of public order, decency, or morality. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The freedom of speech and expression is NOT absolute. It is subject to reasonable restrictions as mentioned in Article 19(2). Statement 3 is CORRECT: Article 19(2) allows the state to impose reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression in the interests of public order, decency, morality, etc.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021?
- A.It aims to regulate online content and hold social media companies accountable.
- B.It requires social media intermediaries to take down unlawful content.
- C.It establishes grievance redressal mechanisms for users.
- D.It promotes complete autonomy for social media intermediaries without any government oversight.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Option D is NOT correct. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, aim to regulate social media intermediaries and do not promote complete autonomy without government oversight. The rules establish a framework for government oversight and accountability of social media platforms.
Source Articles
Reining in a bigot: on the Assam Chief Minister’s incendiary rhetoric - The Hindu
Centre plans guidelines for books by defence personnel - The Hindu
NCW’s Rekha Sharma called ‘bigot’, ‘misogynist’ after “love jihad” tweet - The Hindu
Bigotry without apology - The Hindu
BJP’s bigotry isolated India and lowered her global standing, says Rahul - The Hindu