THE CHANGING NATURE OF DEMOCRACY—POWER, INSTITUTIONS AND NEW CHALLENGES FOR CITIZENS

THE CHANGING NATURE OF DEMOCRACY—POWER, INSTITUTIONS AND NEW CHALLENGES FOR CITIZENS

20-NOV-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Reflecting on the country's political history, it becomes clear that the most crucial test of leadership is public representation. Under the leadership of leaders who were once denounced as "jungle raj," Bihar sent the highest number of representatives to both the Assembly and the Lok Sabha. This is proof that wherever the public placed their trust, they also wholeheartedly supported it. But today, the situation is different—and far more worrying. Abuse of the Machinery of Power: A Silent Truth

When we examine the state of democracy today, numerous incidents indicate that the scope of power is no longer limited to governance—but has expanded deeply into institutions, constitutional positions, and decisions. A court acquits an absconding accused, and within a few months, the same judge is appointed Governor of Kerala.

Another judge, whose biased remarks against the West Bengal government were barred by the Supreme Court itself, is suddenly appointed a Member of Parliament. These events are not mere coincidences—they reflect a structure where the decision-maker has become more important than the decision itself. Demonetization and the New Policy of Institutional Control The patriotic sloganeering that was raised during demonetization is slowly revealing a hidden truth. The appointment of "certain officers" in every district and the grip they have established through them is evident even today, from elections to investigative agencies. ED, CBI, IT—these are no longer being used to maintain balance, but to destroy the opposition.

The same leaders who are raided on the charge of "mountains of corruption" join the BJP as soon as they join—all charges disappear, as if their morality is also washed away upon joining the party. This is not ironic—it raises a serious alarm for the health of democracy. The abuse of power is not new—but the scale has changed. It is true that the Congress also misused institutions. They laid the foundation for this culture, for which they themselves are now suffering the consequences. But the difference is that today, this abuse is no longer an exception, but has become the primary tool of governance. Are we moving towards the slavery of capitalists? When power, institutions, and capital—all three—come under the control of a single group, democracy gradually becomes just a beautiful facade.

Today:Education, Justice, Employment, Business, Media. The expansion of corporate influence is visible everywhere. If this pace continues, it will become nearly impossible for the next generation to: Have independent views, Stand up against corruption, Oppose wrong policies, And most importantly, Create a place for oneself in the face of power. The role of citizens: We must think—we must recognize, The greatest power in democracy is the people. But when the public itself becomes silent, exhausted, or misled— then any power can become immortal. We need to consider: Are we making decisions solely based on propaganda? Are we blind to the declining credibility of institutions? Are we becoming economically, socially, and politically dependent on a single group? If the answer is "yes," then it's a matter of concern—and time for change.

Democracy isn't protected by rallies, slogans, or social media posts. It's protected by awareness, questioning, and holding power accountable. What's happening today threatens not just the opposition—the democratic soul of India. And that's the real issue.