Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today strongly condemned the heinous attack on the Aam Aadmi Party headquarters at Kaushambi in Ghaziabad saying “there is no place for hooliganism or violence in a democracy.”
“Open, honest and informal public discourse is the essence of democratic functioning. One may not like the views expressed by others. But that does not give one the license to indulge in verbal or physical violence. The only democratic option lies in countering others with facts and logic.”
In this context, Dr. JP underlined that one should keep in mind what French philosopher Voltaire had said, ‘I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.’
“The attack on the AAP office exemplifies how low we have fallen in democratic ethos and practices. The lust for power should not blind one to the need for civility in public discourse. A vast, diverse and ancient country can be held together only through love, patience, understanding and painstaking reconciliation of conflicting views.”
Dr. JP added, “We may not agree with AAP leader Prashant Bhushan’s views on Jammu and Kashmir. However, we have to respect his opinion and debate its merits in a civilized manner. That is only way we can protect and preserve the unity, integrity and social fabric of the country.