ERA OF ONE-PARTY DOMINANCE
The challenge of building democracy in the aftermath of colonial rule was a formidable one for any newly independent nation. The complex web of political, economic, and social issues that emerged post-independence required decisive leadership and a clear vision for the nation’s future.
When countries achieved independence from colonial powers, many of them struggled with the decision of whether or not to adopt democratic governance. The global landscape at the time showed a clear pattern: several newly independent nations chose non-democratic paths, largely due to the perceived threats posed by internal divisions and the need for rapid nation-building. Often, these regimes, whether they were single-party systems, autocratic leaders, or military dictatorships, promised a temporary deviation from democracy with a return in the foreseeable future. However, in practice, once these regimes consolidated power, returning to democracy became a challenging endeavour.
Despite similar challenges, India took a different route. The leadership of independent India chose the path of democracy. This choice was rooted deeply in the ethos of India’s freedom struggle. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and others saw democracy not as a luxury but as a necessity, an extension of the inclusive and diverse nature of the anti-colonial struggle. Their belief was that democratic institutions and processes would allow the vast and diverse nation to address its challenges collectively and inclusively.
Contrary to the popular belief in some quarters that politics is a source of problems, India’s leaders saw it as a solution. The essence of democratic politics lies in negotiation, discussion, and consensus-building. In a country as diverse as India, with its multitude of cultures, languages, religions, and ethnicities, democratic politics provided a platform for various groups to voice their concerns, aspirations, and grievances. It became the mechanism to balance the diverse and sometimes conflicting interests of its citizens.