Is Our Democracy Headed in the Right Direction?

Our politics has steadily degenerated into bitterness and irresponsibility

- SHASHI SHEKHAR

Eleven days from today, we celebrate our 78th Independence Day. But as we approach eight decades of Independence, we must ask ourselves: Are we moving in the right direction? Are current politicians working towards strengthening our democracy as envisioned by its founding fathers?

Let's address the first question. Just watch the debate over Operation Sindoor in Parliament. Indians hoped the ruling party would put all the facts in the public domain, while the opposition would articulate its criticism and chip in with constructive suggestions. But what unfolded failed to clear doubts. We, as people, have some basic expectations from our Parliament, which should not be reduced to an arena of vote politics. Unfortunately, that has become a tradition now.

I have been a witness to all the parliamentary debates from the 1962 Sino-Indian war to Operation Sindoor. Our politics has steadily degenerated into bitterness and irresponsibility.