Are we resolved to fight for democracy?

The state of Indian democracy has deteriorated significantly under Narendra Modi’s tenure, a development consistently reflected across various democracy indexes. More than a decade of Hindutva-driven governance has been characterised by the centralisation of power and growing majoritarianism, eroding India’s democratic institutions and values. Modi’s administration has undermined the judiciary, suppressed dissent, restricted media freedoms and exacerbated societal divides, often under the guise of nationalism and the protection of Hindu interests.

These trends have raised serious concerns about the health and future of one of the world’s largest democracies. The judiciary, once seen as the guardian of constitutional values, has been systematically undermined by Modi’s government. Important cases involving government overreach—such as those concerning the abrogation of Article 370, corrupt practices of the Adani Group and purchase of Rafale fighter jets — have been stalled or ignored, while the judiciary has fast-tracked decisions that align with the government’s agenda.

The executive’s influence over judicial appointments has further eroded the independence of this crucial institution, raising questions about its ability to act as a check on power. The media in India has faced relentless attacks under Modi’s regime. Independent journalists and outlets that criticise the government have been subjected to tax raids, legal harassment, and public vilification. This orchestrated assault on press freedom has reduced much of India’s media to a mouthpiece for the ruling party.

Social media platforms, meanwhile, are flooded with propaganda and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by BJP IT cells, further narrowing the space for dissenting voices. Civil society has also been a primary target. NGOs and activists who challenge the government’s policies have faced crippling restrictions through laws like the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Activists, academics, and students have been labelled ‘anti-national’ and imprisoned under draconian laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The incarceration of individuals like the late Stan Swamy, Sudha Bharadwaj and Umar Khalid exemplifies the Modi regime’s strategy of using legal tools to suppress dissent and instil fear. Modi’s economic policies have been equally disastrous. The 2016 demonetisation caused untold hardship for millions of Indians, wiping out small savings and crippling the informal sector without delivering its promised benefits.

The poorly implemented Goods and Services Tax (GST) exacerbated economic inequality and drove countless small businesses to closure. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government’s lack of preparedness left migrant workers to fend for themselves, with many walking hundreds of kilometres to return to their villages. These failures reveal a government more focused on optics than substantive governance.

Hindutva ideology has fundamentally altered India’s secular fabric under Modi. Policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) have institutionalised discrimination against Muslims and other minorities. Inflammatory speeches by BJP leaders, coupled with the government’s tacit approval of communal violence, have created an atmosphere of fear and division. Modi’s silence during incidents of hate crimes and lynchings underscores his regime’s complicity in fostering an environment hostile to pluralism.

India’s electoral democracy has not been spared from systematic erosion. The Election Commission of India, once the envy of the world, has largely become a rubber stamp for the Modi regime. Electoral bonds have enabled opaque political funding, disproportionately benefiting the BJP and raising alarms about corporate influence over policymaking. Investigative agencies like the ED and CBI have been weaponised to target opposition leaders, creating an uneven electoral playing field. These practices fundamentally undermine the fairness and integrity of the democratic process.

Globally, India’s image as a pluralistic and democratic society has suffered. Reports of human rights violations, suppression of press freedoms, and the marginalisation of minorities have drawn sharp international criticism.

Yet, despite these alarming trends, Indian democracy is not beyond repair. The resurgence of the Congress party, particularly under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership as Leader of the Opposition, has reinvigorated parliamentary oversight and offered a new momentum to the opposition’s efforts. Rahul Gandhi has actively confronted the government’s authoritarian practices, forcing debates on critical issues and bringing some accountability to Modi’s centralised governance.

The alliance of opposition parties has further demonstrated that the BJP’s dominance is not unchallengeable. This collaboration, coupled with the collective power of grassroots movements like the farmers’ protests, highlights the potential for resisting authoritarianism. However, for this hope to materialise, voters, civil society, and political parties must remain alert to the dangers of the BJP’s divisive politics. These tactics of the BJP exploit social divisions and deepen polarisation, risking not only the destruction of Indian democracy but also threatening the very fabric of the nation’s unity.

Rebuilding India’s democracy demands a multi-faceted effort. Citizens need to reject divisive rhetoric and actively participate in democratic processes, from voting to holding leaders accountable. Civil society organisations require robust support to continue their critical work, while the media must reclaim its role as a watchdog rather than a mouthpiece of the government. Judicial reforms ensuring independence and accountability are vital to restoring faith in the rule of law.

Economic justice must also be central to this democratic renewal. Policies aimed at reducing inequality, creating jobs and strengthening social safety nets are essential to addressing the root causes of discontent that populist leaders exploit. Additionally, engaging the youth — who represent India’s future — is critical for shaping a vision of democracy that prioritises inclusion, equality and justice.

The road ahead is challenging but not insurmountable. With a collective commitment to its foundational principles and the courage to reject authoritarian practices, Indian democracy can emerge stronger once again. The question is not whether democracy can be preserved, but whether we, as a nation, have the resolve to fight for it.

Views are personal. Ashok Swain is professor of peace and conflict research at Uppsala University, Sweden. More of his writing may be read here