Freedom of expression not being curtailed, says LK Advani

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani on Tuesday asserted that there was no question mark on the freedom of expression in the country and wondered who were the people that claimed so.

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani on Tuesday asserted that there was no question mark on the freedom of expression in the country and wondered who were the people that claimed so.

Senior BJP leader LK Advani addresses media persons at his residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

Advani – who has been unhappy with the party leadership – said “I do not know who are the people saying that there is no freedom of expression in India. This right (freedom of expression) has always been there. Such a question does not arise today,” Advani told reporters after a flag-hoisting ceremony at his residence.

The veteran BJP leader, however, declined to comment on BJP president Amit Shah’s meeting with him on Sunday after the latter’s election as the party chief. Advani had stayed away from the party office on Sunday when Shah received a fresh three-year term.

Advani said people fought against attempts to stifle freedom of expression during the British rule, and they did so again when the government tried to do the same during the Emergency. He said the only concern on Republic Day should be arousing patriotism in every citizen.