After 75 years, sentiment is growing that India's democracy, the world's largest with nearly 1.4 billion people, is in retreat and its democratic foundations are floundering.
School students wave the Indian tricolour flag during preparations for Independence Day celebrations in Kolkata, India, Aug. 12, 2022. India will celebrate its 75th Independence Day on Aug. 15. The Aug. 5 demonstrations by India's main opposition Congress party against soaring food prices and unemployment began like any other recent protest -- an electorally weak opposition taking to the New Delhi streets against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's massively popular government.
"Most former colonies have struggled to put a lasting democratic process in place. India was more successful than most in doing that," said Booker Prize-winning novelist and activist Arundhati Roy. "And now, 75 years on, to witness it being dismantled systematically and in shockingly violent ways is traumatic.
But experts and critics say the country has been gradually departing from some commitments and argue the backsliding has accelerated since Modi came to power in 2014. They accuse his populist government of using unbridled political power to undermine democratic freedoms and preoccupying itself with pursuing a Hindu nationalist agenda.
Globally, India strongly advocates democracy. During the inaugural Summit for Democracy organized by the U.S. in December, Modi asserted the "democratic spirit" is integral to India's "civilization ethos." India's judiciary, which is independent of the executive, has faced criticism in the past but the intensity has increased, said Deepak Gupta, a former Supreme Court judge.
"Sometimes you need extra protection for the minorities so that they don't feel that they are second-rate citizens," said Gupta.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Odds of Bank of Canada hiking 75 basis points in September just went downSlowing U.S. inflation is prompting traders to pare bets for a 75-basis-point increase in interest rates from the Bank of Canada next month
Read more »
Cooler U.S. inflation lowers odds of 75-basis-point rate hike in Canada - BNN BloombergSlowing U.S. inflation is prompting traders to pare bets for a 75-basis-point increase in interest rates from the Bank of Canada next month.
Read more »
Odds of Bank of Canada hiking 75 basis points in September just went downMarkets trim bets from 60% chance to 45% after data show U.S. inflation cooling
Read more »
Odds of Bank of Canada hiking 75 basis points in September just went downMarkets trim bets from 60% chance to 45% after data show U.S. inflation cooling
Read more »
British Columbians willing to pay the price to keep their pets cool, says BC Hydro - Terrace StandardBritish Columbians willing to pay the price to keep their pets cool, says BC Hydro
Read more »
At 75, India's democracy is under pressure like never beforeAfter 75 years, sentiment is growing that India's democracy, the world's largest with nearly 1.4 billion people, is in retreat and its democratic foundations are floundering.
Read more »