INDIAN DEMOCRACY IS THRIVING AND KICKING

What often eludes global media's grasp when it comes to understanding India's democracy is its robustness amidst its scale and complexity. The Indian state has admirably upheld the rule of law while steadfastly maintaining constitutional values. Those quick to prophesy the demise of Indian democracy often find themselves unwittingly entangled in partisan agendas.

India's independent institutions, spanning from the judiciary to the Election Commission, stand as bastions of integrity, transcending the daily din of political rhetoric. Presently, as the world witnesses the spectacle of the world's largest democratic exercise, it's essential to comprehend its magnitude. With a staggering 969 million voters, exceeding the combined electorates of several prominent nations, including the United States and Russia, India's democratic machinery dwarfs even the most technologically adept Western democracies. Deploying over 5.5 million electronic voting machines across 1.05 million polling stations, India's electoral process is a testament to the resilience required to navigate through its vast geographical and socio-economic diversity.

Unfortunately, the global media often fails to grasp the intricacies of Indian democracy, leading to flawed assessments. A glaring example is the disproportionate scrutiny applied to India compared to nations facing graver democratic challenges. Mexico, for instance, ranks higher on democracy indices despite rampant political violence, including the targeted killings of mayoral candidates. Similarly, Mexico's Press Freedom Index surpasses India's despite being one of the most perilous countries for journalists.

Commonly employed phrases like "democratic backsliding" and assertions of "shrinking freedom of expression" seem misplaced in the Indian context. India's electoral landscape remains dynamic, with both ruling and opposition parties experiencing victories and defeats in state elections regularly. Moreover, claims of dwindling freedom of expression ignore the cacophony of diverse opinions prevalent in traditional and digital media, as well as the lively discourse on social platforms.

India's independent institutions, exemplified by the judiciary and the Election Commission, continue to operate with integrity, as demonstrated by recent rulings and impartial enforcement of electoral conduct standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inclusive approach, extending honors to leaders across the political spectrum, reflects a commitment to transcending partisan divides. His government's recognition of figures from diverse ideological backgrounds underscores a broader ethos of national unity.

Critiques alleging a stifling of political opposition overlook the competitive nature of India's political arena. Accountability measures targeting corruption and tax evasion are not indicative of democratic erosion but rather a commitment to upholding the rule of law. Unlike some Western democracies, where politicians face legal consequences for wrongdoing, India's judiciary remains vigilant in maintaining constitutional principles.

In essence, Indian democracy thrives amidst its challenges, buoyed by a steadfast adherence to the rule of law and constitutional values. Those prematurely lamenting its demise inadvertently serve partisan agendas rather than engaging with the nuanced realities of Indian democracy