Abu Azmi Defends Right to Dissent Amid Jamia Slogan Row
Azamgarh, October 24: The controversy surrounding objectionable slogans written on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia University has triggered fresh political debate. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi has countered the remarks of Union Minister Giriraj Singh, arguing that every citizen in a democracy has the right to ask questions.
Azmi warned that if people are kept without trial for years, the public will inevitably raise its voice. He said the core issue is the delay in justice rather than the act of speaking out.
Citing Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Azmi said the Constitution gives everyone the right to express concerns. He explained that the public expects speedy trials for serious offenders, so that guilt or innocence is established quickly. But when no case moves forward and individuals remain in jail for five or six years, he said people will protest.
He said generations can pass while cases remain unresolved. In his view, bail is a fundamental right, and courts should ideally deliver verdicts within two to three years. Where a trial has not even started, Azmi said, it is natural for citizens to demand accountability.
Azmi also defended the institution of the Leader of Opposition. He asked why such a post exists and why it enjoys special privileges, including cabinet rank and official facilities. According to him, these arrangements exist so that the opposition can keep watch over the government and question its decisions. He asked whether the government truly wants to silence such voices.
He recalled that during Mayawati's time as Chief Minister, roads near her bungalow were closed and the protest ground in front of the assembly was shut. When Akhilesh Yadav became Chief Minister, he reopened the roads near his residence and widened the protest site outside the assembly. Azmi said he has always encouraged people to agitate when needed.
Agitation, he said, is a response to distress, and the Samajwadi Party wants to speak for troubled citizens. He cited National Crime Records Bureau data to argue that many MPs and MLAs across parties face criminal cases. He claimed that those putting up posters have a larger number of serious allegations against their own people.
On the issue of dynastic politics, Azmi said the Samajwadi Party does not make such claims. He argued that the party is so strong that people want Akhilesh Yadav's family members to contest elections, confident of victory. He added that family members may not always want to run, but workers and the public exert pressure, which he described as a legitimate part of democracy.
Finally, Azmi highlighted the story of a farmer's family member who entered politics by cycling from place to place, raised funds from supporters and fought his battles on foot. Without any major political backing, he said, that family is now counted among the country's leading political houses, and this success is the result of struggle, not money.