Readers’ comments: Kalicharan did more than just criticise Gandhi – he was glorifying violence

This is a very well-written and thought-provoking article (By arresting Kalicharan for ‘insulting Gandhi’, we encourage the uncritical veneration of our icons). Is it not time we evolved to allow diverse points of view to be expressed without taking them personally and without being insulted? Why not let the strength of an idea stand on its own merit rather needing protection from opposing ones? – Sanjiv S

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What Kalicharan did was much more than simply criticising Gandhi. It was the glorification of the cult of violence as a route to show disagreement. Nothing could be more dangerous to a democracy than this. Giving a platform to such extremists is itself a crime. That action against the deranged individual being interpreted as going against the critical examination of our national leaders is uncalled for. Criticism should be welcome but not at the cost of encouraging or celebrating violence. – Vidhu Mathur

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Perhaps the writer has forgotten the difference between criticism and filthy abuse. Indian has always had a healthy tradition to criticise leaders or heroes, which the writer seems to have forgotten. Abuse cannot replace criticism in a modern society. – Harry D’silva

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Sanjay Srivastava is altogether wrong. While speaking, Kalicharan was not critically evaluating the ideas, values and commitments of Gandhi,…

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