All eyes are on the assembly elections for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), which will be held from September 18 to October 1, 2024. In particular of interest are the polls in J&K being held after a decade (2014 – 65.5% voting) and, more importantly, following the landmark abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The upbeat J&K witnessed its highest voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections over three decades, reassuring its political vibrancy.
The elections will be an important indicator of the mood of the people and the credibility of the democratic process. It will have far-reaching ramifications not only for the future landscape of J&K but also for the nation, which has witnessed a peaceful and prosperous J&K. Yet there are many angles of political polarisation and criminalisation that need a wider national debate.
The Idea of India and its Erosion
“The Idea of India” is reflective of unity in diversity, secularism, inclusivity and tolerance, and social justice as its identity. It is a multidimensional concept that enmeshes the nation’s rich history, diverse cultures, pluralistic society, and aspirations of its citizens. As the largest democracy, it reflects the collective consciousness of its people and their unwavering commitment to upholding these values.
The upbeat J&K witnessed its highest voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections over three decades, reassuring its political vibrancy. The elections will be an important indicator of the mood of the people and the credibility of the democratic process.
Ironically, two developing traits—political polarisation and the criminalisation of politics—threaten the very fibre of its democratic institution. They undermine governance, trust, and national interests through power play and money power over public service and national interest. The growing presence of extremist elements and criminal/ terrorist-backed campaigning in political parties with anti-national manifestos poses a threat to the democracy and future of the nation. As the nation grapples with internal and external threats, it becomes increasingly critical to address these issues to safeguard the idea of India enshrined in its Constitution.
The Rise of Politics of Polarisation
Political polarisation in India isn’t a new phenomenon. However, its trajectory has ascended in recent times. Sharp division along ideological, religious, caste and regional bases have eroded the vibrant and pluralistic nature of Indian politics. This polarisation has deepened as political parties align themselves with such divisive lines, often fuelling electoral battles as contests among “us” and “them.”
The recent political discourse in India has an increasing focus on communal and ideological identity. In the recent past, politicians have stoked divisive rhetoric to mobilise support from particular sections of society. Further, an environment takes shape where dissent is suppressed, and differing perspectives are dismissed as anti-national or divisive. Such polarisation undermines the spirit of democratic debate and fosters an adversarial political culture wherein healthy discourse on perspective is discouraged.
Polarisation has deepened as political parties align themselves with such divisive lines, often fuelling electoral battles as contests among “us” and “them.”
Polarisation also manifests itself in the thrust of “power politics,” in which leaders idealise themselves as the protectors of specific communities or ideologies. Such enchantment often leads to dividing the nation rather than uniting the nation. In such a coalition political environment with different power plays, strong decisions, reforms, and social justice suffer and thus stymie the growth of democracy.
The Criminalisation of Politics
Perhaps more concerning than polarisation is the criminalisation of politics. Over the years, there has been a disturbing rise in politicians holding office with criminal records and anti-national activity, past or pending allegations. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a percentage of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) face pending charges or are under scanner for serious offences.
Over the years, there has been a disturbing rise in politicians holding office with criminal records and anti-national activity, past or pending allegations.
This criminalisation of politics is more about ethics than legality and reflective of the core values of a democracy. When individuals with notorious standing occupy public offices, they undermine the credibility of the democratic institution. Such individuals believe in power play, unethical means, and petty politics, diluting governance and public accountability. In many cases, they yield significant money and muscle power which is employed to coerce electorates and sideline competitor candidates. National security thus gets compromised.
Moreover, the possible nexus between criminals and politicians leads to a lifestyle of impunity and erodes the credibility of law-and-order machinery and the judiciary. Politicians with criminal backgrounds once in power tend to use their authority to influence law enforcement and manage the judiciary. This creates a vicious cycle wherein criminal elements end up entrenched within the political system.
The Dangerous Intersection of Polarisation and Criminalisation
The combination of polarisation and criminalisation in politics creates a toxic mixture that coerces the electorate, intimidates opponents, and manipulates the electoral process, creating an environment of fear and eroding public trust. This does not signify a vibrant democracy in any nation. Furthermore, it sets a dangerous trend of criminals entering politics to garner votes based on the lines of caste, religion, or regional.
The amalgamation of polarisation and criminalisation of India’s democratic institutions has led to the erosion of crucial independent institutions, such as the judiciary, media, and state police. When political leaders prioritise victory over ethics, it undermines these institutions, compromising their ability to serve as checks and balances on political misuse. This erosion of independent institutions weakens democracy by concentrating power in the hands of a few, prioritising self-interest over the welfare of their constituents, leading to a lack of grassroots governance and discords.
The amalgamation of polarisation and criminalisation of India’s democratic institutions has led to the erosion of crucial independent institutions, such as the judiciary, media, and state police.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Indian Democracy
Addressing the intertwined complexities of polarisation and criminalisation calls for a comprehensive, multipronged approach. Political parties must take ownership of ethical conduct and transparency in their choice of candidates and detest selecting individuals with criminal records. Parties should encourage open dialogue, debate, and inclusivity beyond caste, religion, or ideology.
Electoral reforms are critical in addressing the political criminalisation. Stricter laws must be implemented to disqualify candidates with criminal charges from contesting elections. Although the Representation of the People Act disqualifies convicted individuals, it does not debar those facing criminal charges from contesting. Fast-tracking pending cases of sitting MPs and MLAs via special courts should ensure the system is cleansed. Equally essential is the desire for electoral reforms that restrict the impact on cash and muscle power.
Civil society and independent media play a critical function in fighting polarisation and criminalisation. Civil society groups must sensitise voters, raise awareness of the candidates’ backgrounds, and inspire more civic participation. Similarly, independent media is vital for exposing corruption, malpractices, and criminal interests in politics, fostering a culture of responsibility.
The polarisation and criminalisation of politics pose a threat to the integrity of Indian democracy, but the country’s deep roots are resilient enough to withstand such turbulence. India’s democratic resilience can succeed if political parties, voters, and judicial establishments commit to overcoming these problems.
Finally, strengthening India’s democratic institutions is the key to its vibrant democracy. We must protect the judiciary from political interference, ensuring its ability to uphold the rule of the law without favouritism or fear. No carrots must hang post judicial key appointments which could compromise ethics. Law enforcement agencies need to be empowered to function independently, devoid of political pressures.
Conclusion
The polarisation and criminalisation of politics pose a threat to the integrity of Indian democracy, but the country’s deep roots are resilient enough to withstand such turbulence. India’s democratic resilience can succeed if political parties, voters, and judicial establishments commit to overcoming these problems. In doing so, the country will uphold the integrity of its democratic institutions and ensure a more just, equitable, and united society for the future. The credibility of this effort depends on the collective will to confront these challenging situations head-on and restore faith in the democratic institutions and process.
-The author, a PVSM, AVSM, VSM has had an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. A distinguished Armoured Corps officer, he has served in various prestigious staff and command appointments including Commander Independent Armoured Brigade, ADG PP, GOC Armoured Division and GOC Strike 1. The officer retired as DG Mechanised Forces in December 2017 during which he was the architect to initiate process for reintroduction of Light Tank and Chairman on the study on C5ISR for Indian Army. Subsequently he was Consultant MoD/OFB from 2018 to 2020. He is also a reputed defence analyst, a motivational speaker and prolific writer on matters of military, defence technology and national security. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily carry the views of Raksha Anirveda
