An analytical research project by Sweden-based Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute says that India has turned into an electoral autocracy. It said India’s autocratisation process has largely followed the typical pattern for countries in the Third Wave over the past ten years: a gradual deterioration where freedom of the media, academia and civil society were curtailed first and to the greatest extent. The government in India has used laws on sedition, defamation and counterterrorism to silence critics and most of the accused are critics of the ruling party. The report also claims that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, amended in 2019, is being used to harass, intimidate, and imprison political opponents as well as against people protesting against the government’s policies. These developments are among the instances contributing to the descent into electoral authoritarianism in what used to be the world’s largest democracy. With increased pressure on human rights organizations, rising intimidation of academics and journalists, and a spate of bigoted attacks, including lynchings, aimed at Muslims.
But how to measure the percentage of truth in these reports. Citizens feel more free and enjoy better life compared to earlier regimes. Foreign contributions received by NGOs were used for conversion activities and personal gains by trustees. Live and let live is the new theme of liberated India from the rule and opinions of foreigners.
