Indian Democracy is Devoid of Democratic Values
Debate
Indian Democracy is Devoid of Democratic Values
By Aakriti Suri
Aakriti Suri
The Constitution of India was designed to keep the country together, to take it forward, to heal the wounds of the past, to make Indians of different castes and communities move forward in a shared political environment. It sought to nurture democratic institutions. But looking at the present condition of democracy in our country, the painstaking work of our Constitution makers would make them squirm in their graves.
The Preamble of our constitution very clearly lists out the basic values of democracy. It states that India is a democratic country that secures its citizens social, economic and political justice. Well, I am pained to say that despite being independent for so many years, we still have demons of social injustice looming large around us. Dalits are still being denied to function despite being appointed as Sarpanch in panchayats of many villages. Untouchability and killing of girl children are some evils still very prevalent. There is no economic or political justice either. The gap between the haves and the have nots is ever increasing!
Today, what we have is a democracy of elections. After winning an election, political parties become brazen and arrogant. Scams, scandals, embezzlement, misuse of public money, ironically, have become many a politician’s ‘Democratic Value’. Many will agree that this is not the true face of democracy.
Our Constitution gives the right to every citizen to get elected in Parliament and State Assemblies. There are examples of well intended groups or independents trying their hand in elections but failing miserably. This is because the chances of winning an election depends on the number of goons and guns you can line up or which political family you belong to. Yes my friends, this is the stark reality of democracy in our country.
Let us not forget that a true democracy ensures EQUALITY. Equality before law, equality in terms of opportunities
Indian Democracy is Devoid of Democratic Values
By Aakriti Suri
Aakriti Suri
The Constitution of India was designed to keep the country together, to take it forward, to heal the wounds of the past, to make Indians of different castes and communities move forward in a shared political environment. It sought to nurture democratic institutions. But looking at the present condition of democracy in our country, the painstaking work of our Constitution makers would make them squirm in their graves.
The Preamble of our constitution very clearly lists out the basic values of democracy. It states that India is a democratic country that secures its citizens social, economic and political justice. Well, I am pained to say that despite being independent for so many years, we still have demons of social injustice looming large around us. Dalits are still being denied to function despite being appointed as Sarpanch in panchayats of many villages. Untouchability and killing of girl children are some evils still very prevalent. There is no economic or political justice either. The gap between the haves and the have nots is ever increasing!
Today, what we have is a democracy of elections. After winning an election, political parties become brazen and arrogant. Scams, scandals, embezzlement, misuse of public money, ironically, have become many a politician’s ‘Democratic Value’. Many will agree that this is not the true face of democracy.
Our Constitution gives the right to every citizen to get elected in Parliament and State Assemblies. There are examples of well intended groups or independents trying their hand in elections but failing miserably. This is because the chances of winning an election depends on the number of goons and guns you can line up or which political family you belong to. Yes my friends, this is the stark reality of democracy in our country.
Let us not forget that a true democracy ensures EQUALITY. Equality before law, equality in terms of opportunities