Question

Many in the world were apprehensive of the success of democracy in India.But Instead India proved them wrong and emerged as a strong and vibrant democracy. Discuss the various reasons which contributed to India's success as a democracy.

Answer 1

Approach:

• Elaborate the statement given in the question.
• Try to give reasons which contributed to India’s democracy starting from independence struggle.
• Summarize the answer in conclusion.

India is the world’s largest democracy. It is one of the few countries in Asia that has remained democratic ever since it attained its independence from British rule. The only exception to this is the brief period of the Emergency in 1975-76, when the democratic process was halted. But it is through the democratic route of elections that the problem was solved.

Reasons which contributed to India's success as democracy

• Representative Constituent Assembly: Although the Constituent Assembly was not directly elected by the people of India on the basis of adult franchise, the Assembly comprised representatives of all sections of Indian Society—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Anglo–Indians, Indian Christians, SCs, STs including women of all these sections. Hence we can say that each and every section contributed in the making of the constitution.
• Indian National Movement: Many of the democratic values became that part of Indian freedom struggle and hence they were carried forward even after the Independence. Also during the British rule many of the leaders took part in running the government and their experience proved crucial in resolving the conflicts later.
• Capable leadership: Indian leaders were not only capable but also had credibility among the masses. They were futuristic and equally interested in bringing about socio-economic reforms for which the model of a ‘socialistic pattern of society” was adopted.
• The Constitution of India is a very comprehensive, elaborate and detailed document. It contains not only the fundamental principles of governance but also detailed administrative provisions. This is why there is less confusion.
• The Constitution of India is neither rigid nor flexible but a synthesis of both. Hence it can adopt to the changing situations.
• The Indian Constitution not only provides for the legislative, executive and judicial organs of the government (Central and state) but also establishes certain independent bodies. They are envisaged by the Constitution as the bulwarks of the democratic system of Government in India. Eg: Election Commission of India, Comptroller and Auditor-General of India etc.
• Free and Fair elections: The main reason why other countries failed as democracies is because they couldn’t ensure free and fair elections. In this sense ECI was able to conduct free and fair elections. It was able to prove its credibility and it is one of the main reasons why power transition has been smooth in India.
• Strengthening of democracy: Not only India has preserved the democratic values but also it has deepened those values through enactment of various legislations and amendments like 73rd/74th amendments, reducing of voting age, Right to information act etc.
• In addition to the creation of institutions, democratic ideals were also spread among the masses due to the efforts of intellectuals, trade unions, farmers movement, media & films etc

It was because of all these factors that after seven decades, we are now the most vibrant democracy in the world. It was possible because every section of the society understood its role and every major decision was taken with consensus. India proved to the world that it is the ballot, not the bullet, that reigns supreme in India.