As I write from India, I am struck by the enduring vibrancy and stability of its democracy, especially when compared to its South Asian neighbors, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Let alone that India is sending a warship to London following a travel advisory to Indian nationals in the UK.
While these countries have grappled with military coups, political instability, and economic crises, India has managed to sustain a democratic system that, despite its imperfections, has remained robust and resilient for over seven decades. The reasons behind this remarkable achievement are multifaceted, rooted in historical, institutional, and cultural factors that have collectively nurtured and safeguarded Indian democracy.
The Legacy of Colonialism and the Founding Vision
One of the primary reasons for India's democratic stability lies in its historical experience with British colonialism. Unlike Pakistan and Bangladesh, which were carved out of colonial India amidst the chaos of Partition, and unlike Sri Lanka, which inherited a more centralized and fragile political structure, India was bequeathed with a somewhat functioning administrative framework. The British left behind not only the physical infrastructure but also the institutional framework necessary for governance—bureaucracy, judiciary, and a parliamentary system.
Moreover, India's founding leaders, particularly Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and B.R. Ambedkar, envisioned a democratic and secular state that would embrace diversity rather than suppress it. They laid down the foundations of a Constitution that enshrined fundamental rights, a commitment to social justice, and the rule of law. This vision, coupled with the institutional legacy, provided a strong starting point for India’s democratic journey.
Institutional Strength and Political Pluralism
The strength of India's democratic institutions cannot be overstated. The Election Commission of India, for example, is one of the most respected bodies in the world, ensuring free and fair elections across the country’s vast and diverse electorate. Similarly, the judiciary, despite its occasional shortcomings, has largely acted as a bulwark against authoritarianism, safeguarding civil liberties and upholding constitutional values.
Political pluralism has also been a cornerstone of Indian democracy. Unlike Pakistan, where military and religious elites have often dominated, or Bangladesh, where political power has oscillated between two dominant parties often leading to political unrest, India’s political landscape is highly pluralistic. The presence of numerous regional parties, each representing different ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups, ensures that no single party or ideology can monopolize power. This pluralism acts as a check against authoritarian tendencies and ensures that the voices of minorities and regional groups are heard.
Social Cohesion Amidst Diversity
India’s social fabric, though strained at times, has largely held together, preventing the kind of ethnic or religious conflicts that have destabilized its neighbors. While Pakistan has struggled with sectarian violence and Bangladesh with political violence, India’s democratic process has provided a platform for managing its immense diversity. The federal structure of governance allows for regional autonomy, which has helped to address local grievances and reduce the risk of secessionist movements.
The country’s commitment to secularism, despite the rise of majoritarian tendencies in recent years, has been crucial in maintaining social harmony. Secularism in India does not mean the absence of religion in public life; rather, it means equal respect for all religions, which has been essential in managing the religious diversity of the country.
Economic Growth and Development
India's economic growth has also played a significant role in the stability of its democracy. While economic challenges persist, the country’s overall trajectory of development has provided a certain level of legitimacy to the democratic process. In contrast, economic mismanagement and stagnation have often been at the root of political instability in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The ability of the Indian state to deliver on development, albeit unevenly, has bolstered the democratic framework by maintaining public faith in the system.
The Role of Civil Society and the Media
Finally, civil society and the media in India have been vital in sustaining democracy. A vibrant civil society, with its myriad NGOs, advocacy groups, and grassroots movements, has played a crucial role in holding the government accountable and pushing for social and political reforms. Meanwhile, the press, despite facing increasing challenges, remains one of the freest in the region, serving as a watchdog and a platform for public debate. Sadly in the West, the press is not the source of news. An easy to manipulate, not free, fake social media is the primary source of news.
