CHALLENGES TO INDIAN DEMOCRACY
We can be proud that Indian democracy is the largest of its kind in the world. But there are many factors that hinder the healthy functioning of Indian democracy.
Democracy is a form of government. In this form the direction and control of affairs lies with the governed. What are the distinctive features of modern democracy? Free elections by secret ballot and the party system, an effective opposition, an independent judiciary, a free press are some among them.
As far as Indian political parties are concerned, they are ineffective, weak and divided. This is the main threat to Indian democracy.
The main goal of almost all the political parties in India is to gain power, at any rate. They have no prick of conscience to gain power even at the cost of the democratic system of India. It has become much more evident nowadays.
Apart from the unhappy state of the political parties, the major threat to Indian democracy is the ever increasing regional, linguistic, caste and communal tendencies. The political parties which lack ideology try to exploit these divisive tendencies to win elections and capture power.
A land of the men of ignorance, illiteracy and poverty is not suitable for the growth of democracy. It is to be remembered that the illiterate politician are neither politically intelligent nor foresighted for the development of the state or of the nation. Besides, they are not mentally prepared to find a solution to the problems of the nation. He cannot act with necessary foresight for the future of the nation.
In most of the Indian states violence is growing day by day and law and order is getting collapsed. They too, pose threat to democracy. The law enforcing authorities have now almost lost its will and effectiveness due to corruption and greed in all walks of life. Violence has spread to educational institutions and universities. If drastic and immediate steps are not to be taken, the future of Indian democracy would be in danger.
Democracy cannot be functioned effectively without economic stability. This stability can be achieved only by the proper utility of the resources of the community. Economic growth is also being threatened by the rapidly growing population, mounting unemployment and poverty.
It is to be noted that the future of democracy in the world depends on the successful functioning of Indian democracy, for India is the largest existing democracy in the world.