International Day of Democracy, known for its vibrant democracy, follows a political system loosely modeled on the British Westminster system. This intricate system comprises a president as the head of state, an executive led by the prime minister, a bicameral legislature consisting of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, and a judiciary with the supreme court at its helm.
In this Article
The Power of the Ballot: India’s Electoral Process(International Day of Democracy)
One of the cornerstones of India’s democracy is its electoral process. Every five years, 543 members are elected to the Lok Sabha through a first-past-the-post general election. Additionally, state representatives are indirectly elected to the Rajya Sabha on staggered six-year terms, ensuring that approximately one-third of the members change every two years through elections held by state legislatures.
India’s Constitution: The Bedrock of Democracy
India’s constitution serves as the bedrock of its political code, outlining the federal structure, governmental powers, and guarantees of citizens’ rights. These rights encompass equality before the law and essential freedoms such as speech, assembly, and movement.
The Complexity of Caste: A Political Challenge
India’s democracy grapples with the intricacies of its caste system, a hierarchical social structure categorizing the Hindu majority into various groups. This system ranges from ‘Brahmins’ at the top to ‘Dalits’ at the bottom, often discerned by last names.
Striving for Secularism: India’s Unique Identity
India’s constitution underwent an essential transformation during the 1975 emergency when it adopted the term “secular state.” However, India’s deeply religious society encompasses diverse faiths. While the constitution prohibits the persecution of individuals based on their religious beliefs, it differs from the U.S. constitution in its approach to the separation of church and state.
Religion in Politics: A Pervasive Influence
Religion plays a significant role in Indian politics, with politicians often vying for votes based on caste or religious affiliations. This intersection of religion and politics underscores the complexity of India’s democratic landscape.
From Gandhi to Independence: The Congress Era
After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the Indian National Congress Party, commonly known as ‘Congress,’ dominated the political arena. This dominance was intrinsically tied to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the revered independence leader tragically assassinated by a Hindu nationalist in 1948.
Managing Diversity: Congress’s Unique Approach
India’s remarkable diversity in regions, religions, and languages presented a formidable challenge. However, Congress adeptly navigated these differences by redrawing state boundaries along linguistic lines and fostering a coalition of regional powerbrokers. This approach prioritized decentralized governance over centralization.
Turbulence in the ’70s: The Emergency Era
The 1970s witnessed a shift when Indira Gandhi attempted to centralize power in the federal government. Faced with resistance, she declared a state of emergency in 1975, resulting in the arrest of journalists, politicians, and other opponents. However, the subsequent elections in 1977 saw her defeated by a coalition, marking India’s first non-Congress government.
A Fragmented Landscape: Congress Breakaways
The aftermath of the emergency era led to the fragmentation of the Congress coalition. Regional Congress breakaway parties emerged, and the political landscape experienced significant shifts. Additionally, the rise of parties like the communists, particularly the Left Front in West Bengal, added complexity to Indian politics.
The Gandhi Dynasty: A Lasting Influence
Despite a gradual erosion of support over the years, the Congress party has maintained its reliance on the Gandhi dynasty, including figures like Indira and her descendants. It’s important to note that Indira Gandhi, despite her surname, was not related to Mahatma Gandhi. She was married to Feroze Gandhi, who also had no relation to Mahatma Gandhi.
The ’80s and Beyond: A Dynamic Political Landscape
The 1985 election, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984, briefly saw Rajiv Gandhi leading Congress to power. However, this proved to be a solitary victory rather than a return to the party’s former dominance. Subsequent years witnessed coalition governments, sometimes led by Congress and at other times by different parties.
The Modi Era: A Shift in Indian Politics
The political landscape saw a significant shift in 2014 when Narendra Modi, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, assumed office as the prime minister. Modi’s leadership was characterized by economic reforms and a pro-business stance. However, it also carried the weight of Hindu nationalist beliefs and the controversial Gujarat riots of 2002.
Challenges on the Horizon: Democracy’s Test
Despite its democratic strengths, India faces significant challenges. One of the most pressing issues is its struggle to achieve sustained economic development comparable to neighboring China. Additionally, extreme poverty persists, exacerbating the socio-economic divide.
The Urban-Rural Divide: A Stark Reality
A stark divide exists between educated elites in cosmopolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai and the impoverished rural population. Bridging this urban-rural gap remains a formidable challenge for India’s democracy.
In Conclusion
India’s journey through democracy has been a complex tapestry of triumphs and challenges. From its struggle for independence to its modern political landscape, the nation has continuously evolved. As India faces the future, it grapples with the responsibility of upholding the democratic ideals that have