A heated political battle has erupted between the ruling Congress and the BJP in Karnataka following the denial of entry to a United Kingdom professor. The professor, Nitasha Kaul from the University of Westminster, was slated to attend a state government-organized conference on the Constitution. However, her entry was blocked, sparking controversy.
Karnataka Ministers allege that this incident highlights the infringement on both individual rights and the rights of state governments. The BJP, on the other hand, has labeled Kaul as a “known terrorist sympathizer” who spreads anti-India propaganda. Kaul, who holds Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, expressed her frustration, stating that despite valid documents (including a UK passport and OCI), she was barred from attending the two-day ‘Constitution and National Unity Convention-2024’ on February 24 and 25.
In her own words, “I was denied entry to India for speaking on democratic and constitutional values. The Government of Karnataka (a Congress-ruled state) had invited me as an esteemed delegate, but the central authorities refused my entry.”
Karnataka Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa condemned the denial, emphasizing that it underscores the repeated trampling of state governments’ rights. He urged patriotic Indians to reflect on these challenges and unite to safeguard the Constitution.
The incident raises questions about the Karnataka Government’s right to organize constitutional conventions and host experts who contribute meaningfully to the state’s development and national interests. The Minister lamented that once again, federal principles enshrined in our Constitution were undermined by the Government of India.
Selective weaponization of constitutional provisions should not infringe upon the rights of Indians, including diaspora Indians who actively contribute to the nation’s development. As the self-proclaimed ‘Mother of Democracy,’ we must unwaveringly uphold the democratic values that underpin our system,” emphasized Mahadevappa. However, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra criticized the Karnataka government for inviting Nitasha Kaul, whom he labeled a “sympathizer” of the ‘TUKDE TUKDE GANG.’ Kaul, an Overseas Citizen of India, was scheduled to speak on ‘Constitution & Unity of India.’ The incident sparked heated debates on social media, with Vijayendra condemning the Congress-ruled Karnataka government for extending a “RED carpet welcome” to her. Meanwhile, Minister M B Patil questioned the BJP’s commitment to constitutional principles and individual freedom, emphasizing that suppressing liberties is detrimental to our country. Rizwan Arshad, a Shivajinagar Congress MLA, raised concerns about curbing individual freedom of expression, questioning whether a dictatorial system was emerging in India.
In a federal system, when a state government invites an academic of Indian origin, but the central government denies her entry solely because she doesn’t align with their ideology, it raises critical questions. Is this a form of dictatorship in our country today? Are we witnessing a suppression of freedom of expression and the right to engage in constitutional debates?
Our special correspondent, Bengaluru, India