75 Years of the Indian Republic: How Democracy is Being Undermined—and the Fight to Save It
India’s Constitution, adopted in 1950, established the core values of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Justice, though it faced criticism from Hindu nationalists. Under the leadership of Nehru and Ambedkar, the nation prioritized scientific progress, education, and social justice, but deep-seated biases against Dalits and religious minorities persisted. The implementation of the Mandal Commission report fueled resentment, leading to the rise of Hindu nationalist mobilization, particularly over the Ram Temple issue.
The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 triggered widespread violence, setting a precedent for future communal clashes, including the Gujarat riots (2002), Delhi (2019), and Kandhamal (2008). Over the past decade, state institutions have been increasingly compromised, weakening democracy and secularism. Political representation of Muslims has declined sharply, with the BJP currently having no Muslim MPs or ministers. Scientific temper has taken a backseat, with pseudo-science gaining state-backed legitimacy. A revisionist narrative now attempts to redefine India’s independence through a Hindu nationalist lens, challenging constitutional secularism.
However, movements like Bharat Jodo and the INDIA coalition have sparked awareness about the dangers of communal politics. As threats to democracy grow, reinforcing India’s commitment to pluralism, justice, and secularism remains crucial for the nation’s future.
75 Years of the Indian Republic: How Democracy is Being Undermined—and the Fight to Save It
Seventy-five years ago, India’s Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, enshrining the ideals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Justice. While celebrated as a progressive blueprint, it faced criticism from Hindu nationalist factions, who argued that it neglected indigenous traditions and instead advocated for ancient texts like the Manusmriti. Yet, visionaries like Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar steered the nation toward democracy, prioritizing public welfare through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and scientific research. Despite the scars of Partition and the colossal task of rebuilding, India focused on foundational needs: eradicating hunger, expanding education, and fostering social justice.
Persistent Inequalities and Communal Strains
Though constitutional principles aimed to dismantle caste hierarchies, discrimination against Dalits and marginalized groups persisted. Religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, increasingly faced suspicion and violence. The Shah Bano case (1985) exposed communal fault lines, with conservatives framing secular laws as “minority appeasement.” The implementation of the Mandal Commission’s recommendations in 1990, which reserved 27% of government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), further polarized society. Hindu nationalists leveraged this moment to consolidate support, redirecting frustrations toward religious minorities.
Eruption of Communal Violence
The Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which claimed a temple predated the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, became a rallying cry for majoritarian politics. The mosque’s demolition in 1992 triggered nationwide riots, followed by recurrent violence—Gujarat (2002), Kandhamal (2008), Muzaffarnagar (2013), and Delhi (2019). Vigilante groups, emboldened by narratives such as “Love Jihad” and cow protection, targeted minorities, forcing many Muslims into segregated neighborhoods. Electoral gains for the BJP often followed such violence, revealing a troubling nexus between polarization and political strategy.
Erosion of Constitutional Ideals
The past decade has seen a pronounced shift toward majoritarianism under BJP-led governance. Key institutions—the Enforcement Directorate, Election Commission, and judiciary—face allegations of partisan misuse, undermining checks and balances. Socioeconomic indicators reflect growing disparities: poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to education and healthcare plague millions. Muslims, constituting 14% of the population, now hold less than 5% of parliamentary seats, with zero representation in the BJP. Concurrently, pseudoscience—such as claims that cow urine cures illnesses—has gained state endorsement, eroding scientific temper, a constitutional directive.
Revisionism and Resistance
A narrative redefining India’s independence as incomplete until the 2024 Ram Temple inauguration seeks to recast history, threatening secularism. Proposals to amend the Places of Worship Act (1991), which safeguards religious sites’ post-1947 status, risk reigniting disputes over mosques and temples. Yet, resistance persists. Movements like the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the INDIA political coalition strive to counter divisive agendas, emphasizing unity and constitutional morality. Civil society groups amplify grassroots awareness about fraternity and justice, echoing Ambedkar’s warning that democracy is a fragile experiment.
Conclusion: A Crossroads of Identity
India’s journey mirrors a tug-of-war between pluralism and exclusion. Neighboring nations like Pakistan and Myanmar exemplify the ruinous costs of majoritarianism. To avoid this trajectory, India must reclaim its founding vision—a society where diversity is celebrated, institutions remain impartial, and progress is measured by the upliftment of the marginalized. As the world’s largest democracy navigates existential challenges, its resolve to uphold constitutional values—equality, liberty, and fraternity—will determine whether it emerges as a beacon of hope or a cautionary tale. The battle for India’s soul continues, hinging on the collective courage to choose inclusion over division.
