YES

Ignorance is bliss

The purpose of democracy is foiled if its people don’t ask questions. The government will keep misleading citizens by engaging them in trivial issues. The ignorance of the masses will be used to further their own goals. The public will become puppets at the hands of politicians if they do not have the wisdom to judge the moves and work ethic of the ruling government.

Iftekhar Ahmed,

Harimohan Ghose College, Calcutta

A citizen’s duty

Good questioning plays a vital role in democracy. Asking questions does not make us less patriotic. A good question should not favour the government but should suport the well-being of the nation.

Nikita Mukhia,

Haldia Government College

NO

No questions please

If it’s a good democracy, one can ask good questions. But if it’s a dysfunctional democracy, people are not allowed to ask any questions. The head of such a democracy takes the people for granted and snatches away their right to dissent.

Kabir Das,

Jamshedpur

Shamocracy it is

Most countries that claim to be democracies are actually shamocracies — a political system that pretends to be democratic but is in reality autocratic. Such systems are becoming commonplace in North Africa, the Middle East and in some Asian countries. These countries are ruled by autocratic figures who don’t encourage either the people or the Opposition to ask any questions. If anyone asks a good question, the person is termed anti-national and an enemy of the state. You are patriotic only if you are servile and join the chorus of sycophants the autocrat has.

Subhashree Ghosh,

Durgapur Women’s College

Next issue: the concept of nOTA (NONE OF THE ABOVE) in elections is useless Have a strong view on this? Write in with your phone number, address, school/college and year to telegraphyou@gmail.com. The best answers for the motion and the most cogent arguments against it will be printed here