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Analysis of "How Much of a Democracy Are We?"


Overview:

Mohan Guruswamy's article critically examines India's democratic system, highlighting its evolution, current challenges, and shortcomings in achieving true democratic ideals.

Key Points:

  1. Democracy and Equality:

    • Guruswamy acknowledges India's periodic free and fair elections, independent judiciary, media, and essential freedoms.
    • Despite these democratic elements, widespread dissatisfaction with the government persists.

  2. Intended Hybrid Democracy:

    • India's intended hybrid democracy combined direct democracy at the local level with representative democracy at regional and national levels.
    • Traditional institutions like panchayats were to be replaced by Panchayati Raj (PR) to ensure elections by equals, not by birth or tradition.
    • The PR system failed to take root, leaving local governments weak and underfunded.

  3. Party-Based Democracy:

    • India's democracy has become party-based, with citizens voting for parties rather than individuals.
    • The lack of formal membership, leadership selection, and participation forums within parties has concentrated power in the hands of an elite.

  4. Clan Democracy:

    • Guruswamy compares India's current political system to clan democracies, where power is concentrated among a few.
    • This prioritizes power capture over addressing issues, resulting in ideological consensus among parties for shared benefits.

  5. Parliamentary Dysfunction:

    • Meaningful debate is lacking, and Parliament is used for propaganda.
    • Important issues like the budget receive little attention, while special interest groups like CII and FICCI are prioritized.

  6. Neglect of Majority Concerns:

    • The government neglects the needs of important constituencies like the rural poor and educated youth.
    • Increasing coercion and a lack of dialogue between the government and people are undermining democracy.

  7. Economic Inequality:

    • Recent economic trends show wealth accumulation by a small minority and worsening regional imbalances.
    • The government's attitude, reflected in budgets with minimal support for the poor, exacerbates these issues.

  8. Media's Limited Focus:

    • National media, particularly the English print media, focuses on the concerns of a small elite, neglecting broader societal issues.
    • Issues like stock market irregularities and non-performing assets in the banking system highlight misplaced priorities.

  9. Social Justice and Injustice:

    • The concept of social justice is misused to perpetuate injustice in the name of addressing past wrongs.
    • This distracts from focusing on economic development and growth that can bring real change.

Conclusion:

Guruswamy questions the extent of India's democracy, arguing that true democracy should focus on the concerns and wants of the majority. He calls for a reassessment of the current system and urges a return to principles that prioritize the well-being and representation of all citizens.

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