Why Indian Democracy Faces Challenges: A Closer Look at Barriers and Solutions

India's journey towards democracy has been marked by significant barriers, primarily stemming from a lack of political education, the influence of short-sighted leadership, and the prevalence of populist and misleading practices. In this article, we will explore these challenges and propose potential solutions to foster a more inclusive and effective democracy.

Understanding the Role of Education in Democracy

The success of any democratic system fundamentally depends on the ability of its citizens to exercise their voting rights intelligently and responsibly. This means not only possessing formal education but also being well-informed about the political landscape, leaders, and policies. However, in India, despite efforts post-colonization, a substantial portion of the population remains uneducated or under-educated.

Over 175 years of colonial rule severely limited access to education, leading to a low literacy rate. Consequently, a significant number of citizens struggle to understand the intricacies of democracy, leading to suboptimal participation in the electoral process. This gap in political knowledge often results in the exploitation of the democratic system by corrupt leaders who promise economic benefits in exchange for votes.

Consequences of Misguided Leadership and Voter Exploitation

The Indian democratic system faces another critical challenge in the form of corrupt and nationalist leaders. These leaders often use the loopholes in the democratic process to secure their positions, leading to repeated elections of the same individuals who fail to deliver for the country. Such leaders lack genuine patriotism and often prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the nation.

The result is a cycle of underdevelopment and misgovernance. As pointed out by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the period following independence should have been under a form of dictatorship to ensure the education and preparedness of the population for democratic governance. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, leaving India with the same problems even 75 years after independence.

A Case Study: 2014 and 2019 Elections

Despite these challenges, there have been instances where the Indian democracy has shown resilience. For example, in 2014 and 2019, the country witnessed a significant shift in political power, with the Indian National Congress being defeated and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking power. This shift was a direct result of the electorate's willingness to throw out inefficient and lackluster politicians.

The recent election results reflect the people's desire for change and their assertive stance against inefficient governance. However, this does not change the underlying issues that prevent a more stable and progressive democracy. The opposition and pseudo-secular parties often raise concerns about the end of democratic rights, but the truth is that the democratic process was reaffirmed through the active participation of the masses.

The Role of Secular and Hindutva Parties in Indian Democracy

The balance between secular and Hindutva parties is another critical issue in the Indian democratic landscape. With 17 parties on one side and a mere 2 parties (BJP and Shiv Sena) on the other, the balance is decidedly in favor of the secular parties. This imbalanced representation is a threat to democratic principles and can be seen as a tool for subversion and appeasement.

To address this imbalance, it is essential to promote the growth of more Hindutva parties. This would provide a more diverse political landscape, allowing for better representation of various voices and interests. An alliance of Hindu-secular parties in government along with a similar structure in opposition could help maintain a balanced and fair democratic process.

Conclusion

While India has made significant strides in its democratic journey, the challenges of political education, corrupt leadership, and imbalanced representation continue to hamper its progress. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, political parties, and the general populace. By focusing on education, promoting responsible voting, and fostering a more balanced political environment, India can take significant steps towards a more robust and effective democracy.