Democracy is a form of government where the majority of people make laws and policies while safeguarding the rights of the minorities. The latter part of the sentence is what makes eyebrows raise. It is not that the former part of the sentence is just doing alright. The economic policies and lawmakers have been pushing this country to a sad state of affairs where every citizen irrespective of their religion is facing the ill effects of rising food prices, fuel prices, and the spreading hatred and dividing people in the country. The time has come for people to realize that the division and hatred is only a distraction but the BJP-led government is non-functional when it comes to making peoples’ lives better.
Here are 10 reasons why every citizen should be worried about the state of democracy in India.
The health of a democracy is often assessed by looking at various indicators that reflect the state of political freedoms, civil liberties, the rule of law, and how inclusive and participatory the democratic process is. In the context of India, concerns have been raised by scholars, activists, and international observers about trends that may suggest challenges to its democratic framework. Here are 10 reasons that contribute to the perception that democracy might be under stress in India:
1. Increasing Authoritarianism: There’s a perception of growing authoritarian tendencies in the government’s style of leadership, marked by a centralization of power and diminishing space for dissent or opposition.
The central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, was done with little consultation from the stakeholders, reflecting a centralization of decision-making power.
2. Press Freedom and Censorship: The Indian media landscape has seen instances of censorship, intimidation of journalists, and financial pressures that skew how news is reported, limiting the diversity of perspectives available to the public.
In recent years, India has slipped in the World Press Freedom Index rankings. An example is the raid on the offices of Bharat Samachar, a news channel in Uttar Pradesh, and the homes of its editors in July 2021, which critics argue was an attempt to intimidate the media.
3. Erosion of Civil Liberties: Laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been criticized for their broad definitions of terrorism, potentially being used to stifle political dissent and detain activists without trial for extended periods.
The arrest of activists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the Bhima Koregaon case, where individuals were detained for alleged anti-national activities without clear evidence, showcases how laws can be used to suppress dissent.
4. Judicial Independence Concerns: There are growing concerns about the independence of the judiciary, with instances where judicial appointments, verdicts, and the prioritization of cases raise questions about pressures from the executive branch.
The controversy surrounding the transfer of Delhi High Court Judge S. Muralidhar in February 2020, shortly after he criticized the central government’s role in failing to stop violence in Delhi, raised questions about judicial independence.
5. Electoral Process and EVM Controversies: Questions about the transparency and reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the electoral bond scheme’s impact on the anonymity of political donations, raise concerns about electoral integrity.
The government’s response to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in 2019-2020, which included internet shutdowns, police violence, and arrests of protesters, highlights the crackdown on dissent.
6. Crackdown on Dissent and Protests: Large-scale protests, like those against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the farmers’ protests, have seen instances of internet shutdowns, police brutality, and arrests of activists, signaling a shrinking space for civic engagement.
7. Communalism and Identity Politics: The rise of identity-based politics, particularly those exploiting religious divisions, has led to communal violence and a sense of insecurity among minority communities, affecting social harmony.
8. Digital Surveillance and Privacy: Reports of increased surveillance, including the alleged use of software like Pegasus for spying on journalists, activists, and political figures, raise serious privacy and human rights concerns.
The alleged use of Pegasus spyware to monitor the phones of journalists, activists, and political figures in India raises serious concerns about privacy and government surveillance.
9. Environmental and Land Rights Activism: Activists opposing large-scale industrial or infrastructural projects due to environmental concerns and land rights often face harassment and legal action, highlighting conflicts between development goals and democratic rights.
The arrest of Disha Ravi, a climate activist, in February 2021 for her involvement with a toolkit related to the farmer protests, has been criticized as an attempt to silence environmental and social activism.
10. Concentration of Media Ownership: The consolidation of media outlets under large corporations with political affiliations can lead to biased reporting and reduce the media’s role as a watchdog of democracy.
The acquisition of major media outlets by business conglomerates with close ties to the ruling party has raised concerns about media pluralism and the independence of journalistic content.
It’s important to note that the health of a democracy is complex and multifaceted, requiring ongoing public engagement, transparent governance, and accountability to sustain and nurture. The issues mentioned above represent significant challenges but also underscore the importance of vigilant civil society and institutional checks in addressing them and ensuring the democracy’s resilience. Those institutions that check the health of democracy have been under attack.
Before you go to vote, it is important to remember that it’s the country, which is at stake, not any religion or faith.
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