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
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