Reality and Façade of Today’s Democracy of India
Political parties are losing their ground in the true democratic system as that of like India, which has taught the lesson of “Democracy” to the entire World from the ancient time. (Citing the example of Vaishali, Today’s Bihar).
“Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
Democracy has been considered to be the least imperfect system to rule. It may not outlast dictatorship, but they adapt better. The second phase of Democracy started with the dawn of Independence in 1947 when India became free. In the realm of politics, Congress was the only national party, with few sporadic regional parties, trying to firm their ground (Few of the prominent were Swaraj Party established by C Das and Motilal Nehru & Jan Sangh by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee).
If we look at the scenario today, numerous political parties are the contenders in the realm of fighting election to rule the Nation/State-be it General Elections or State Legislatures Election. But the shade of democracy is fading as has been witnessed at many juncture. The term “Criminalisation of Politics” has popped-up in the media quite frequently. This is imbalancing the system of democracy and the true Federal nature, now co-operative Federalism, of our country. The Constitution has made various provisions in Black and White to keep these rotting elements out of politics, but is not practiced in its spirit. Nepotism has firmly hold the ground in the due course of time, which is not that far away from the concept of “Divine Right to Rule” of Western political philosophy.
Everything is not in the grim situation. In the recent time some major steps/initiatives have been taken to check the system. Indian state is working in silos, hence the provisions are needed to bring them to the common forum and work collectively in the interest of nation. The most prominent one is “Co-operative federalism” (Team India) which is in true sense soul of our democracy. In simple term, cooperative federalism means devolution of more power to states to administer them effectively.
India in its true nature is Quasi-Federal (as if federal). By allotting more resources and authority to states we can dream of creating India a Utopian State. The Center will be above them always co-operating with them to achieve the collective goal.
The constitution of India has also laid provision to eliminate “opportunist Politics”-by bringing in the idea of “Anti Defection” under 10th Schedule in 1985 through 52nd Amendment.
Above all, inspite of being mentioned all the provision in our rule book (The Constitution of India), very often they are being followed in their true soul & spirit. This has led the democracy in the lowest worst form of ruling. The anti elements are trying to weaken its very root, which has been firmly laid down by our founding fathers. We need to counter these by following the true value system and practicing right to Franchise judiciously without any temporary influence. Whatsoever may be the Party/Gathbandhan (alliance)/Mahagathbandhan, choosing the best one who is suitable to rule should aboard the throne, holding the nation’s interest above everything.
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