The 'Other' side of democracy ..

We all know that democracy is the preferred form of governance. It is also perhaps the noblest form of governance even if not the most efficient or effective form. What is chosen by the people must be good for the people- it’s quite simple! Inherent in this is the assumption that the ‘people know what is good for them ‘and ‘who is good for them’. Thus, the people have the power to alter the government. Off course in many places due to lack of knowledge and literacy people are led to believe what is good for them. As democracy matures such things correct themselves largely as is in the case of USA.

Unfortunately it appears like all things, democracy also has 2 sides to it; or so it definitely appears from the democracy in function in the state of Gujarat. The ruling party has been in power for almost 10 years now. It was returned to power by a thumping majority. By all accounts, it will stay in power for many more years to come. The chief minister of the state is no less than a demi god or a super hero for its people .He has taken the mantle of the ‘protector’ of the state. At the slightest of provocation he raise the Gujrati self respect issue- that 5 crore Gujaratis cannot be ‘insulted’ and by implication he is there to protect them. For the more discerning Gujaratis and to be fair, the government has been making good progress on the economic front. Looked at in isolation this does not appear too strange or different from many other states or politicians .However, one needs to understand the complete design to understand how democracy has been flipped over and used to cement the government’s hold on the power.

The brutal Gujarat riots of 2002 completely polarized the society between Hindus and Muslims. There are very serious charges of complicity in perpetuating the riots against the state government led by the Chief Minister, Narender Modi. The smart politician that he is, Modi turned the charges on him and his government as a ‘direct attack on the dignity ‘of the people of Gujarat. By painting a picture of’victimisation’ and showing a resolve to protect the people, Modi has swept elections after elections.

There is a lot of evidence pouring in against Modi but the state government knows that the people are on his side. As a result subversion of justice, persecution of innocent victims and complete control of the state police /media/legal system are the ways of life .You see , this does not seem to be an issue for the people of the state in general –Modi has created an illusion that this is not his fight alone. The recent charge sheeting of senior police officers who dared to speak against the chief minister is a continuation of this tradition. If there was a referendum, Modi would win hands down despite all charges /evidence /petitions. Democracy has great power and Mr. Modi knows this better than others. He is thriving on the ‘flip side ‘of democracy. Unfortunately, sometimes what people think is good for them may not be right for them … and for others.