A+| A| A-
Vicious Cycle of Power
The article by Badri Narayan, “Democracy and Violence” (EPW, 6 April 2013) appears to suggest that the increasing number of democratic institutions and their further democratisation is leading to violence and anarchy in the hinterland. In my opinion the primary responsibility for this situation is the lack of an ethos of democracy in the various organs of the State and the contempt towards laws and norms of civilised society among political leaders across the spectrum.
The article by Badri Narayan, “Democracy and Violence” (EPW, 6 April 2013) appears to suggest that the increasing number of democratic institutions and their further democratisation is leading to violence and anarchy in the hinterland. In my opinion the primary responsibility for this situation is the lack of an ethos of democracy in the various organs of the State and the contempt towards laws and norms of civilised society among political leaders across the spectrum.
As the number of political parties increased in the electoral arena competition between them increased too. Instead of going to the people with innovative, forward-looking programmes they have relied largely on realpolitik measures. Parties have used caste and religion as their card and put up candidates with the best caste and religious arithmetic. This “formula” has been and is being used by every political party, most certainly in eastern Uttar Pradesh, to which place I belong.
Dear Reader,
Or
To gain instant access to this article (download).
(Readers in India)
(Readers outside India)
