On a vibrant democracy
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A critical study of democracy in action.
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Who Wants Democracy?, by Javeed Alam; Orient Longman; pages 143.
AS STUDENTS of Indian economic history, we used to be often reminded by our teachers of the Indian "paradox of poverty amidst potential plenty." A quotable quote, nonetheless the alliteration used to fascinate us more than the textual relevance. But in the mundane world of Indian politics, as the author of the book under review reminds us, we have to reckon with, especially in comparison with western experiences, several paradoxes that have strangely given us a democracy that follows a different path of its own. And yet, as the writer concludes, the system works despite failures and broken promises.
Strange title
To be sure, for all its infirmities, democracy has come to stay in our country. Doubts, if any, were set at rest by the results of the 2004 polls that in many ways established our credentials as a matured democracy. Precisely for this reason, the title of the book might seem strange. For, if democracy has thrived, as indeed it has, it is because a majority of the people, if not all, has willingly and firmly opted for it. Why, then, is the query? But, then, the burden of this book is that the elite and upper middle-class and the political parties and their leaderships that pander to them have failed democracy. Its redemption and subsequent resurrection, according to the author, had been entirely owing to the fact that those who had long been on the fringes of society were steadfast in their commitment to it and successfully broke into the political power centre with a vengeance. This book traces their pursuit, the odds they had to contend with, their gains, their losses and, ultimately, their victory. "Indian democracy," writes the author, "is not just the largest in the world, it is also becoming one of the most vibrant. It has become the site for the display of power exercised by ordinary people."
Interesting origin
The book has an interesting origin. What started off as mere observations on events that attracted the author's attention later assumed the form of a critical study of democracy in action. In the event, it turned out to be much wider in scope, deeper in analyses and firmer in conclusions than could possibly have been originally conceived. To be sure, a brief review of this kind cannot cover all the issues raised by the author. Some are indeed well-known such as the steep decline in the quality of political leadership, failure of the elite and upper middle-class to nurture democracy, alienation of the Dalits, Other Backward Classes and minorities from the mainstream, their fight back to establish a niche in the power structure and, finally and crucially, the assertion of vox populi as witnessed in the post-2004 poll.
There is, however, enough matter in the book to attract dissent. Running right through the book is the author's aversion for the Bharatiya Janata Party and the string of surrogate organisations, primarily the Sangh Parivar. This is acceptable since it is his personal choice. But the innuendo that only one type of fundamentalism - the Hindutva variety - poses a threat to democracy and all other forms do not and even if they do, they are manageable, even containable, goes against the practicalities of realpolitik.
Loss of faith
Equally, the argument that people's loss of faith in political parties and their programmes is because of the notorious devaluation in the personal conduct of their leaders will be readily conceded. But his exclusion of the left-of-centre parties and their leaders from these blemishes is, to say the least, fanciful. The fact is that the Left parties' shameless acquiescence in dubious deals, political as well as commercial, has been no less blatant. Nor, for sure, have their flirtations with communalism and casteism been any less amorous. This said, the book does raise interesting issues that deserve wider discussion and debate.
One may not accept many of the author's seemingly sweeping conclusions. But none can deny his right to voice them. For, that is the essence of the democracy we have chosen as much to live by as to live with.
M.K. DAS
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