“Renowned Congress leader and Member of Parliament, P Chidambaram, surprised many by praising the Modi government during his participation in a literary festival in Kolkata. Chidambaram acknowledged that the current government efficiently implements its policies and performs well when required. He made these statements at the ‘APJ Kolkata Literary Festival 2024’ while discussing his new book, ‘The Watershed Year – Which Way Will India Go?’
In addition to the unexpected appreciation, Chidambaram expressed concern about a pervasive sense of fear across the country, which he believes is contrary to the principles of democracy. He claimed that in the past year, he hasn’t come across anyone who feels free from fear. Chidambaram emphasized his commitment to dispelling fear by reciting verses from Rabindranath Tagore that promote fearless thinking.
During the literary festival, he challenged anyone to show him a person who can confidently say their thoughts are not influenced by fear, emphasizing the importance of free expression without fear of legal consequences. Chidambaram also levied serious allegations against the central government, stating that fear prevails throughout the nation, contradicting the essence of democracy.
It is noteworthy that Chidambaram used the platform to not only discuss literature but also raise concerns about the state of democracy and governance in the country. His comments have sparked discussions about the current political climate and the need for fearless expression.”