The new Karnataka government headed by Siddaramaiah that rode to power with a thumping majority displayed its tryst with ‘dissent’ by suspending a school teacher for daring to criticise the new government’s policies of doles through a post on his facebook.

Congress has been accusing the Centre of muzzling dissent and opposite views. Now, it seems the Congress party is also following the same policy. What is the basic difference left between the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)? This is the question that every sane Indian would like to ask.

Congress needs to walk the talk. By giving bytes on press freedom in front cameras will not serve anything. It will be considered as mere ‘lip service.’

Rahul Gandhi has been trying to play the victim card following his disqualification from the Lok Sabha. Charity begins at home. If at all he considers himself to be a victim for disseminating opposite views, he should ask the leaders of his party to walk on a different path.

Doles are always being considered as the easiest option to woo voters. All parties follow this tried and tested technique. In fact the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has mastered this concept.If we claim India to be a vibrant democracy, certainly there should be room airing dissent. Each and every leader of all political parties should have the courage to accept dissenting voices.

Democracy teaches us to be plural thinkers. Debate and dissent are the soul of democracy. It will keep the democracy in a functional mode. Else it will turn our nation into autocracy. Hopefully these observations will ring a bell.