We stained our finger; our public walls are postered. The excitement is building for India’s upcoming democratic milestone on June 4th!
Indian democracy is a vibrant, messy, and sometimes frustrating thing. We celebrate its triumphs – peaceful transitions of power, a robust free press – but also grapple with its shortcomings – corruption, dynastic politics, and inefficient public services.
This post fits right into the spirit of “Everything is Politics” because democracy isn’t just about voting every few years. It’s about holding our leaders accountable, demanding better from our systems, and constantly striving to improve.
The Power is politics
Democracy empowers the common man. Recall the famous Tamil song by Vaali, written for legendary TN actor-turned-politician MG Ramachandran. The song quotes the words of another TN politician, Annadurai, who declared: ‘In a democracy, we are all kings.’?
It’s this collective power that keeps the system in check. We all knew that. But that collective power is being manipulated or entertained by several factors, such as unsustainable appeasement schemes, media management, diverting the attention, politicizing the criticisms.
The power of the voters is undeniable. In Tamil Nadu, for instance, we witnessed a powerful display of this force in 1996. Voters decisively ousted the then-ruling AIADMK party, led by J. Jayalalithaa, after a period of perceived corruption and authoritarian rule. This decision sent a clear message that no leader is invincible, and the power ultimately lies with the people. However, the story doesn’t end there.
Ironically, in the 2006 elections, voters brought the AIADMK party back to power under Jayalalithaa again. I need to mention that the DMK rule was after Jayalalitha-I disaster was mostly a better one. Even it was appreciated by DMK critics like Cho Ramasamy.
While this might seem contradictory, it highlights the complexity of democracy. Voters may choose to give a leader another chance, hoping for improvement, or perhaps there’s a lack of strong alternatives. Sometimes they just want a change for no reason! This cycle in democratic politics emphasizes the ongoing responsibility of the electorate to be discerning and engaged.
Democratic Dynasties are politics
While strolling through Tissamaharama, a town in southern Sri Lanka, I noticed a curious sight. Daily calendars in shops, large and small, featured the face of a prominent Sri Lankan politician. This wasn’t just any politician; he belonged to a powerful ‘democratic dynasty’ that had dominated the region for years. My visit predated the country’s recent economic collapse.
Back then, the world watched with growing concern as this leader’s influence seemed to tighten. Locals, however, expressed a sense of pride, boasting about his “majority” status in the area. It left me questioning their definition of pride. Ironically, it was the very people who later took matters into their own hands, ousting this same family from power.
The fate of the shop owners with their political calendars remains unknown. Sri Lanka is gearing up for presidential elections, and it wouldn’t surprise me if this very dynasty attempted a comeback.
These ‘democratic dynasties’ understand the power of those commoners. So, they politicize them by offering appeasement schemes, media management (we call that as free media in India!) at the cost of growth of the society.
These exemplify the unpredictable potent, yet manipulated, power of the common people.
Dynastic politics, where power runs in families, weakens this power dynamic. It can create a sense of entitlement among leaders and stifle competition. But here’s the political angle: Indian ‘democratic dynasties’ often use sophisticated and biased internal elections to maintain control and label themselves as democrats. It’s up to us, the voters, to demand more transparency and hold them accountable.
Democratic Disappointment is politics
Can we, as Indians, have an honest conversation about how well our democracy holds leaders accountable? Should our love for India (nationalism) or our political beliefs (democrat) stop us from having this discussion?
China in a curious way despite not having a democracy in the political sense has a very high sense of accountability on the part of his leaders that isn’t so for all authoritarian regimes, but it is so for China, and they have created a culture of accountability….
One of the Southeast Asian Leader, said in an interview in 45th St. Gallen Symposium.
Does our democracy make sure leaders are answerable for their actions? Can we achieve this in the future?
Shouldn’t a democracy provide basic things like a steady electricity supply all the time? I get free electricity of 100 units in TN, but it keeps going off! My friend says some people need the free power more, but I need reliable power too! Is this democracy okay if it cuts off power when I need it most? – assume the power goes off while I grind chutney in my busy mornings. He says the state is responsible, not the central government, but isn’t that all part of democracy?
The electors should not allow the Indian democracy to make all sorts of fake promises, which it don’t follow through. We should refute democracy that allows lies to form a government.
Poor public services are politics
Many people talk about this issue – a major weakness of Indian democracy. It seems like there are two sides to our democracy. Every five years, it comes to us with promises and seems friendly, almost like a beggar asking for your vote. But for the next five years, it can feel distant and unhelpful.
A patriotic citizen has choices like government sponsored schools, hospital or clinic, electricity, water, or gas. These services either do not change or deteriorated in last three decades years.
Maybe it’s a common way of thinking in India that we deserve low-quality services. Not only in politics, but also in every task we work. I admit, I’m guilty of it too! The sad part is, sometimes we even think offering bad service is a favor. But who will tell us that in a democracy, it’s our duty to expect – at least – decent services, not the worst?
Our democracy takes a big chunk of our income through taxes, yet we often have to make our own arrangements for things like education, healthcare, and even basic utilities. All it seems to offer in return is the freedom to speak our minds. Is this really enough for us to keep protecting this system?
If you challenge them, you’ll see the power of democracy in action. They might yell, insult you, or even try to label you based on religion, caste or political views. It happens in both center and states.
Beyond Criticism, Towards Progress
Let’s not shy away from criticizing our democracy. But let’s also acknowledge its achievements. We’ve had peaceful transitions of power for decades, a feat many nations haven’t achieved.
Here’s the political reality: India’s global partnerships depend on a stable and accountable democracy, though India’s stability is not in agenda of west democratic interests. Criticism isn’t about weakening India; it’s about making it stronger.
Conclusion: Democratizing Democracy
“Everything is Politics” because a functioning democracy requires constant participation. We need to hold leaders accountable, demand better public services, and actively engage in the political process. This isn’t about being blind democrats or nationalists; it’s about striving for a better, more responsive democracy that truly serves the people.
We deserve a better society, and our society deserves a better version of us.
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This post is a part of ‘Everything is Politics Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed.
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I agree. It’s time we start these important conversations. But in India, we tend to forgive and forget and keep getting back into the trap. Sigh!!
We are running out of options as well. With utter disappointment, we pacify ourselves by hitting at alternate buttons in ballot box. We do not know how to bring in the accountability. Thank you for your visit and taking time to leave a comment.
Absolutely agree with everything you’ve said. In the words of a famous Indian comedian, “Govt. is a service provider. Don’t get too emotional about it”
Indians collectively need to raise their aspirations, raise their standards. I honestly think, we get the worst because we keep thinking its okay. And its not. I like how tenderly you were able to put these points across. I don’t think any “side” will be be able to see any wrong in this~
This is one of the reasons for the brain-drain issue our beloved country is experiencing. The harsh reality is that it is unlikely to improve within our lifetimes. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Good question! we need accountability! Your words are thought provoking indeed. When the king has the press gagged and is above an RTI then who are to just discuss or have an open conversation about it?
Corruption has penetrated so deeply it can even tarnish the press! It didn’t even leave private services too. We need democratic indices to rate and compare the services across the department. Hope they may help us to improve over time. Thanks for reading and commenting.
India has converted everything into politics successfully. But what kind of politics? Is there democracy left in the country? When the ruling party buys up opposition, or dismisses it or suspends it from Parliament, when falsehood is foisted on citizens in the name of corrected history… where is democracy going?
What a wonderful and accurate commentary on the state of democracies not just in our Indian context but all over the world. I think you have correctly diagnosed the problem, People have lost faith in democracy because there is no accountability, they make tall promises but then do not keep them. You vote for a person from a party but they switch allegiance and parties. Democracy has to be strengthened and saved.
You have some great points here. I see many political party loyalists who tend to turn a blind eye to their shortcomings. One must know to separate such biased feelings from the truth. One must be able to both criticise the bad and appreciate the good, but this is rare. We must learn to hold the leaders accountable.
Accountability is the biggest issue dogging our democarcy. Citizens barely ask ( or are allowed to ask) questions to our eleceted representatvies. The sad part is that these elected representatives have started thinking of themselves as Kings, when in fact, they are just a representative.
You have raised some valid questions, my friend! I see Indians boasting about their offsprings settling to a different country, about the medical and overall cleanliness there, and it irritates me! Even after having severe laws in place, we have successfully found out jugaad for everything. So the government either has to make more strict laws AND people have to start abiding to them and take them seriously.
A thought-provoking post, indeed! ‘In a democracy all are kings’ is now only a quote that is heard in the old Tamil song. Dynastic politics is harmful, but then, so is autocratic politics. It is tragic that we, as a nation, have succumbed to thinking that even the inadequate services we get are favours. We do need accountability from our leaders, along with the right to be able to speak our minds.
Yes in democracy all are kings but the time to ask for doings differs. But In India, voters never ask for the accountability if the politicians because of their valid reasons or ignorance. But now its high time when all Indians should take their responsibility and caste their vote.
Your post resonates deeply with me, reminding me of an incident during the last state elections. I was visiting my hometown, and the walls were plastered with political posters, much like the ones you mentioned. It was a vibrant scene, filled with anticipation and fervor.
On election day, I accompanied my grandfather to the polling booth. He’s a staunch believer in the power of democracy, having lived through the early days of India’s independence. As we stood in line, he shared stories of past elections and the changes he had witnessed over the decades. His tales included both the triumphs and disappointments of our political system, but his faith in the democratic process never wavered.
This experience was a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility. Despite the frustrations and inefficiencies, the act of voting remains a crucial exercise of our rights. It’s easy to become cynical and disengaged, but as my grandfather always says, “If we don’t vote, we lose our voice.” It’s a sentiment that echoes the core message of your post.
Indeed, democracy is not just about the act of voting but about continuous engagement, accountability, and striving for improvement. We must remember that our participation is what keeps the system vibrant and responsive. Your reflections on dynastic politics, public service shortcomings, and the need for vigilant citizenship are spot on. It’s a call to action for all of us to remain active participants in our democracy, ensuring it serves everyone fairly and effectively.
What an insightful and thought-provoking read this was. You have rightly pointed out that we need to hold our leaders accountable. I simply loved the last line which summarizes the post, and our current-need quite aptly, “We deserve a better society, and our society deserves a better version of us.”
Well Penned with deep insight about very crucial topic politics. you have explained it very well and pointed out every political holes in detail. Amazing!