Is India a Liberal Democracy?

The term “liberal democracy” typically refers to a democratic system of government in which individual rights and freedoms are officially recognized and protected, and the power of the majority is limited.

India is often described as the world’s largest democracy, but how liberal is it? Liberal democracy is a political system that combines a liberal political ideology that operates under a representative democratic form of government. This system features elections among various political parties and a division of powers across different government branches. It upholds the rule of law, a market economy with private property, and the principles of an open society. It guarantees equal protection of human rights, civil liberties, and political freedoms for all.

Liberal democracy typically implements universal suffrage, giving all adult citizens the right to vote. This right is maintained irrespective of factors like ethnicity, sex, property ownership, race, age, sexuality, gender, income, social status, or religion.

India has many of these features of liberal democracy.

It has a written constitution that defines the powers and functions of the executive, legislature and judiciary. It has a multiparty system with regular and competitive elections at the national and state levels. It has a federal structure that devolves some authority to the states and local bodies. It has a vibrant civil society and media that voice diverse opinions and interests. It has a secular ethos that respects the pluralism and diversity of its people. It has a long tradition of tolerance and respect for all faiths and cultures.

However, India also faces many challenges and threats to its liberal democracy.

Some of these are historical and structural, such as poverty, illiteracy, inequality, corruption, communalism, casteism, regionalism and terrorism. Some of these are contemporary and emerging, such as authoritarianism, populism, nationalism, majoritarianism and intolerance. Some of these are internal and domestic, such as weakening institutions, eroding norms, polarizing politics and shrinking spaces for dissent. Some of these are external and global, such as geopolitical rivalry, economic competition and technological disruption.

In these terms, India can be considered a liberal democracy. It has a multi-tiered system of government that guarantees political rights and civil liberties to its citizens. It has an independent judiciary and free media, which are key elements of a liberal democracy. However, like any country, India has faced its share of challenges related to governance and human rights issues.

In recent years, India has witnessed a rise in the popularity and power of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP espouses a Hindu nationalist ideology that seeks to redefine India’s identity and destiny in terms of its majority religion. The BJP has won two consecutive general elections in 2014 and 2019 with a landslide majority in the lower house of parliament. The BJP also controls most of the state governments and has expanded its influence in various institutions and sectors of society.

The BJP’s dominance has raised concerns about the future of India’s liberal democracy. Critics accuse the BJP of undermining the independence and integrity of key institutions such as the judiciary, the election commission, the central bank, the media and the civil service. They also allege that the BJP is curtailing the rights and freedoms of minorities, dissenters, activists and journalists.

They point to examples such as the abrogation of Article 370 that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir; the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act that grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries; the crackdown on protests against these measures; the arrest and harassment of opposition leaders, academics, lawyers and human rights defenders; the spread of fake news and hate speech on social media; and the promotion of a narrow and exclusionary vision of Indian culture and history.

Supporters of the BJP defend its policies and actions as necessary and legitimate for India’s development and security. They argue that the BJP is fulfilling its electoral mandate and responding to the aspirations and expectations of its voters.

They claim that the BJP is restoring India’s pride and dignity after decades of corruption and misrule by previous governments. They assert that the BJP is protecting India’s sovereignty and integrity from internal and external threats. They contend that the BJP is fostering a sense of national unity and identity among India’s diverse people. They maintain that the BJP is respecting India’s constitutional values and democratic principles.

The debate over India’s liberal democracy is not only academic but also practical. It has implications for India’s economic growth, social cohesion, political stability and international reputation. As former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan said at the ‘Ideas for India’ conference on May 13th 2023: “India’s growth path lies in leveraging its intrinsic strengths…and becoming crucial to global supply chains by building on its historic culture of tolerance…and respect for all.” He stressed that India needs to strengthen its institutions and democracy to earn the world’s trust as a reliable partner.

Burning Questions

The question then is:

Can India balance its economic ambitions with its democratic values?
Can India preserve its diversity while promoting its unity?
Can India assert its interests without alienating its allies?
Can India be both a great power and a liberal democracy?

The answer then is: Yes, it can. But it will require vision and leadership, commitment and cooperation, dialogue and consensus, reform and innovation, inclusion and empowerment, accountability and transparency, tolerance and respect, peace and justice. It will require India to be true to itself and to the world.

Key Challenges to Liberal Democracy

The answer to these questions is not simple or straightforward. India’s liberal democracy is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that reflects the history, culture, society and politics of its people. It is also influenced by the changing circumstances and challenges of the domestic and global environment. India’s liberal democracy is not a fixed or static entity, but a living and evolving process that requires constant vigilance, participation and adaptation.

India’s liberal democracy has shown remarkable resilience and vitality in the face of various difficulties and dangers. It has also demonstrated remarkable diversity and flexibility in accommodating various demands and aspirations. It has also displayed remarkable creativity and innovation in finding solutions and opportunities. India’s liberal democracy has been a source of strength and pride for its citizens and a model and inspiration for other countries.

However, India’s liberal democracy also faces serious risks and threats that could undermine its foundations and functioning. It also faces significant gaps and shortcomings that could limit its potential and performance. It also faces formidable challenges and dilemmas that could test its values and principles. India’s liberal democracy needs to be nurtured and protected by its leaders and citizens alike. It also needs to be reformed and improved by addressing its flaws and failures. It also needs to be adapted and updated by responding to its changing needs and realities.

Final Words

India’s liberal democracy is not a given or a guarantee, but a choice and a responsibility. It is not a destination or an end, but a journey and a means. It is not a gift or a privilege, but a right and a duty. India’s liberal democracy is not only an aspiration or an ideal, but also a reality and a practice. India’s liberal democracy is not only a challenge or a problem but also an opportunity and a solution.

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