In a recent opinion article published last month in one of India’s prominent English dailies, a sobering observation encapsulated the emerging state of affairs: “A parliamentary majority is being used as a bulldozer to fashion an autocracy, the new India version of a presidential form of governance…The replacement, at the forthcoming inaugural [of the new Parliament building], of the real president of the Indian republic by the prime minister may symbolize more than the ego of an individual.”
Reflecting upon these words, I was reminded of my past reading of Levitsky and Ziblatt’s book on the fate of democracies, where India, fortunately, did not feature as an example. However, little did I anticipate that India would eventually encounter a time when shrewd tactics would be employed in pursuit of a particular agenda.
The central concern raised in the opinion article revolves around the growing concentration of power within the Indian political landscape. It highlights how a parliamentary majority is being wielded as a tool to forge an autocratic system akin to a presidential form of governance. In this evolving scenario, the symbolic act of replacing the real president of the Indian republic with the prime minister during the forthcoming inauguration of the new Parliament building holds profound implications that go beyond individual ego.
India’s democratic fabric has long been admired for its diversity, pluralism, and checks and balances. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and principles. The article’s assertion that a parliamentary majority is being used as a bulldozer to shape an autocracy resonates with fears that power is being concentrated in the hands of a few, undermining the very essence of a healthy democracy.
The shift towards a presidential-style system, where power is heavily vested in the prime minister, threatens the delicate balance of power that India’s founding fathers envisioned. This concentration of power undermines the critical role of an independent legislature and diminishes the checks and balances necessary for democratic functioning. Such a transition can lead to executive overreach, weakened institutions, and reduced accountability.
The symbolic act of replacing the president with the prime minister at the inaugural ceremony of the new Parliament building serves as a stark reminder of the changing power dynamics. It signifies a blurring of lines between the roles of the head of state and the head of government. This symbolic gesture carries weight beyond mere ego, suggesting a shift towards a more centralized and personalized form of leadership.
Levitsky and Ziblatt’s book, which initially excluded India from its discussions on democratic decline, now assumes new relevance. It serves as a reminder that no democracy is immune to the dangers of democratic erosion. India must heed the lessons from other nations that have witnessed the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and norms.
To safeguard its democratic ideals, India must prioritize the preservation of a robust system of checks and balances. It should nurture and strengthen its democratic institutions, ensuring their independence and integrity. Encouraging a diverse and inclusive political landscape, where opposition voices are heard and respected, is vital to prevent the consolidation of power in the hands of a few.
Furthermore, fostering a culture of democratic accountability requires a vigilant civil society, a free and fair media, and an engaged citizenry. Indians must be encouraged to actively participate in the democratic process, demand transparency, and hold their elected representatives accountable.
The challenges facing India’s democracy are not insurmountable. By recognizing the signs of democratic erosion and proactively addressing them, India can steer itself back on course towards a more vibrant and inclusive democracy. The resilience of Indian democracy lies in the collective will of its people to safeguard the principles of freedom, justice, and equality that form the bedrock of a healthy democratic society.