Mahesh Chander
We the people of India resolved to adopt Indian Constitution as prepared by the constituent Assembly to form basis for Republican Democracy of India. Republican aspect of the Indian Democracy seeks the involvement of each and every citizen (voter) in forming the government of the union and the states unlike other forms of democracy where citizens do not involve directly in the formation of government. Indian voters therefore exercise their constitutional right of voting during elections to elect their representatives so that they become part of the said Government. This process gives scope of existence to various political parties to contest these elections and the political party attaining a specific number is invited to form Government by the constitutional head, The President of India, and Governors on his behalf in case of State Governments. Voters are indirectly electing political parties and not their leaders.
The result of recent elections of north eastern states resulted in clear majority to BJP in Tripura, coalition status in case of Nagaland and fractured mandate in case of Meghalaya. However, the political party in power in the Centre is trying to form their government in all the three states. In case it happens which is more likely to happen, it should be a cause of worry for citizens of India as there will be no opposition in majority of Indian states to act as check and balance for ruling party in the larger interest of the democracy. Indian democracy provides for multi-party set up and this has proved to be a strong pillar for the success of our republican democracy. Over the period of last seven decades, our country has gone through many ups and downs as regards growth of democracy like declaration of emergency, falling of elected government in a short span of 13 days but the writ of Indian Constitution has always been held high. The recent emergence of one party politics throughout the country may not be healthy in the times to come as our constitution is not meant to be dealt that way. One example worth citing here is appointment of Lok Pal in the absence of the opposition leader in the parliament and the larger party I.e. Indian Congress Party does not have requisite number of MPs, to participate in the appointment of Lok Pal. Hence, it is incumbent on us to discharge our constitutional duty with utmost care so that no such political vacuum is created. The present Government of Indian despite their sincere effort to give clean governance is handicapped in appointing Lok Pal, the highest constitutional authority to check any possibility of corruption in the system. Hence, allowing absolute authority with one political party across the country will prove inimical to national interest.
It is therefore felt that the recent victory of BJP in these results may be a matter of joy for its cadre but not for the public in general. The accountability aspect of the governance will diminish with the rise of one political party. Ours is a largest democracy in the world not only in size but also in its fabric which consists of many societies, religions and regions. The amalgamation of regional aspirations through one political set up may be inappropriate representation in the larger democratic set up at national level. The Indian voters may therefore stand up and strengthen the opposition in the constitutional interest of the State. The voice of all citizens of various regions should be heard through different political ideologies so that the colorful fabric of democracy remains intact otherwise democracy may turn into monocracy, a form of Government where its citizens have no right platform to raise their concerns. The right way to arrest turning of our democracy into monocracy should be through vote. Hence, all voters are expected to use their right to vote more seriously as it is a very precious tool in their hand to check these political parties from monopoly. Monopoly of any kind is injurious to the system and ultimately hurts the interest of general voter, usually called Aam Admi. To be on the positive side, I look forward for a healthy change in the days to come and God blesses my democracy.
(The author is former Wing Commander)
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