By D N Singh
Why are we so emotional about supposedly the largest festival of democracy in India that had set new parameters of fairness and also civility?
This year, 2024, stands apart as many big nations including India are undergoing this process of elections to elect 543 members for the country’s parliament.
Globally it is no less significant as over fifty elections are going to be held this year that will decide new dispensations which include the US, Russia, Taiwan and of course India now in the process.
As elections take place across the world, the festival of democracy in India is expected to be among the keenly contested, between two major parties that is the BJP plus its allies and the Congress along with other regional outfits who may play a crucial role.
This article is not intended to say which party is good or which party is bad but it is all about the enthusiasm that drives the process and obviously India is one of the most watched nations in the world in 2024.
Democracy has remained as a sole strength of India when compared with many other nations right from the start which later went to be described as Nhruvian era and the beauty of Indian democracy is that despite multi-lingual and cultural diversity it stood like a rock pillar when the nation faced crises like war and natural calamities.
Another beauty of Indian democracy is the mutual respect among the different parties.
For instance, regarding dissent in democracy it had found a cushion of an essential instrument and criticisms within a tone of civility enjoyed a special respect.
Why Jawaharlal Nehru was an passionate listener of his rivals in the House. Mutual respect was the modicum. Once, when Ram Manohar Lohia said that when the voice of people on the streets become silent then the House becomes wayward. Nehru got up from his seat and clapped in appreciation of what Lohia said.
That is the beauty of Indian democracy which still remains the driving force behind mutual respect.
Leaders after leaders have demonstrated this ideal, be it any one in position.
This festival helps making friends and losing some also. But this festival is a great labeler and once over, all in the house strive to stand by the nation cutting across party ideologies and allegiance.
It has started in India and a week to go when the curtains shall be drawn.
India is expected to be among the keenly contested, fair and well organised ones in the world
This was going to be the global election year that decides the fate of the world.
About the Author: DN Singh is a Bhubaneswar-based senior journalist.
DISCLAIMER: This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.
