We are the world's largest democracy but, unfortunately, we are not a ‘mature' democracy since our people are neither eager nor ready to accept its value, merits and responsible code of conduct.
As a result, we stand shamed before the international community in the irresponsible manner we have conducted ourselves as citizens of a democratic nation. Indeed, our so-called democracy is in name only, shorn of all features essential to a healthy robust and vibrant democratic polity.
Consider the facts: Rule of law and accountability are neither being ensured nor enforced in our governance; corruption rules in every sphere of public life; the widening chasm between the ‘haves and have nots' defies definition; and money and muscle power are the tools the powerful and the corrupt use to exploit the people. ‘Secularism', a much-abused term, has lost its import, and is blatantly used to criticise political opponents and appease minorities for political benefits. Are we really a secular democracyIJ