Subverting the idea of India, as discussed in various editorials and discussions, is a matter of concern. This concept pertains to attempts to undermine the diverse and inclusive nature of the Indian society, which is enshrined in the country’s democratic and secular ideals. Such subversion can occur through various means, including religious intolerance, divisive politics, or the suppression of dissent. Safeguarding the core principles that define India, which include religious pluralism, freedom of expression, and social harmony, is essential to preserve the country’s unique identity and maintain a united, democratic, and inclusive society. Editorial analyses on this topic often emphasize the importance of upholding these foundational values in the face of challenges and threats that could erode them.
Context:
For the first time a high-level committee headed by a former President of India, has been set up to examine the proposal of simultaneous elections. The government’s ‘simultaneous elections’ agenda goes much further than the other ideas of ‘oneness’ it propounds; it will spell a deepening of centralisation.
Decoding the editorial: Simultaneous elections
- While several committees since 1999 have examined the proposal, the push to introduce and make permanent simultaneous polls once every five years has come over the past decade.
- This, however, is perhaps the first time that a high-level committee is headed by a former President of India, a most unusual appointment that is meant to impose a stamp of legitimacy on the recommendation.
The selling of a simplistic idea
- It is part of the “One India” agenda of the current government.
- It will save expenditure and help avoid the disruption of administration during elections.
- Evidence from one study conducted of voting percentages between 1971 and 2004 showed that voter turnout in the States is lower when Assembly elections are held separately from those to the Lok Sabha.
The truth
- The burden of government expenditure on elections is not so large. Governance does indeed become affected when
- The party holding office in New Delhi is forever in an election mode.
- The ruling party or coalition at the Centre refuses to take national decisions fearing what impact it will have in one State or the other.
- The ruling party sees every election from a municipal election upwards as a must-win poll.
- Disrupting the basic structure
- A higher voter participation should be increased through other means rather than with a set of measures that will turn parts of the Constitution upside down.
- A number of scholars and commentators have also pointed out that one way or the other, major constitutional changes will need to be made to the constitutional terms of the legislature and rules for unseating a government.
- After the first round of curtailing/extending the tenure of elected State governments, making simultaneous polls a permanent feature will require either fixed-term governments, or the end of no-confidence motions, or “super-majorities” to unseat governments, or greater powers in the hands of the President/Governors, or a combination of such drastic changes.
- The alterations will in effect change the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
- A project to wipe out diversity
- The entire “One Nation, One X” agenda is part of a political project with the message that only one government, one political party and one leader can deliver and will transform India.
- The “One Nation, One Election” agenda goes much further than “One Nation, One Tax”, “One Nation, One Ration Card” and the like in imposing this “oneness”.
- If implemented, it will permanently increase the administrative and political centralization of power in the hands of the Union Government and correspondingly weaken the States.
- All of this will reduce the importance of State governments, with the idea of federalism being given a body blow.
- There will be a corresponding concentration of power in New Delhi.
- There is the larger well-known ideological agenda of denying India its strength in heterogeneity.
As Y.V. Reddy, the chairman of the Fourteenth Finance Commission, pointed out, elections are meant to hold governments accountable for their record of governance, and yet when they turn out to be frequent they are being faulted for disrupting governance. Only the electorate that now has the power to decide if they want to live with this particular idea of “One India”.
Source: The Hindu
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does it mean to “subvert the idea of India”?
Answer: Subverting the idea of India refers to actions, policies, or ideologies that undermine the fundamental principles of India as a diverse, democratic, and secular nation. It involves threatening the core values of religious pluralism, social harmony, and freedom of expression that form the foundation of the Indian state.
Q: What are some examples of attempts to subvert the idea of India?
Answer: Attempts to subvert the idea of India can manifest as religious intolerance, divisive politics, censorship, suppression of dissent, and discriminatory policies. These actions can fracture social cohesion and undermine the country’s democratic and inclusive fabric.
Q: Why is it important to prevent the subversion of the idea of India?
Answer: Preserving the idea of India is essential for maintaining the unity and harmony of a diverse nation. It safeguards individual rights, democratic principles, and social inclusivity, which are fundamental to the country’s progress and identity.
Q: How can individuals contribute to preventing the subversion of the idea of India?
Answer: Individuals can contribute by promoting tolerance, fostering dialogue, and defending democratic values. Engaging in open discussions, supporting organizations that uphold these values, and participating in the democratic process are ways to counteract subversion.
Q: What role does the media and civil society play in addressing the subversion of the idea of India?
Answer: The media and civil society play a crucial role in holding power to account, raising awareness about threats to the idea of India, and advocating for democratic principles. They serve as watchdogs and advocates for the protection of essential values and principles that define the nation.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
