BJP leadership’s quick condemnation and intended disciplinary measures against Gaude highlight a comparable intolerance toward internal critique and dissent
William Golding’s classic novel, "Lord of the Flies," presents a profound exploration of human nature and governance. Set against the backdrop of a deserted island, it narrates the plight of a group of British schoolboys stranded without adult supervision. Initially, the boys strive to maintain order through democratic means, electing Ralph, who represents rationality and moral leadership, as their leader. Ralph emphasises the importance of keeping a signal fire burning for rescue, symbolizing the maintenance of order and civilization. However, as the days pass, the boys' unity dissolves, and rivalries emerge, particularly between Ralph and Jack, who personifies authoritarian impulses and brute power.
Jack's growing power is rooted in fear, violence, and coercion, transforming the democratic structure into an oppressive regime. The novel demonstrates the fragility of democratic systems and the ease with which authority can shift into tyranny when dissenting voices are suppressed and power is centralised unchecked.
Recent internal discord within Goa’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), notably Minister Govind Gaude's controversial statements and the consequent disciplinary proceedings announced by party president Damu Naik, echo themes similar to those found in Golding's narrative. This article examines how internal party discipline mechanisms, while necessary for coherence, risk becoming instruments for silencing dissent, thus mirroring Golding’s themes of power dynamics, fear, and the marginalisation of rational voices.
The allegorical parallel
In "Lord of the Flies," the initial democratic governance deteriorates as Jack rejects Ralph’s rational leadership and establishes his authoritarian rule, marked by aggressive suppression of opposition and critical voices. Jack’s regime, driven by intimidation, violence, and fear, illustrates the risks of centralised power without checks and balances.
Similarly, the BJP leadership’s quick condemnation and intended disciplinary measures against Minister Govind Gaude highlight a comparable intolerance toward internal critique and dissent. Gaude's allegations, rather than fostering introspection and transparency, have triggered a reactionary response from the party leadership, demonstrating a preference for authority and conformity over constructive dialogue.
Gaude as Goa's Ralph
Minister Govind Gaude's public stance against corruption within the administration aligns closely with Ralph's rational and moral voice in Golding’s narrative. Ralph’s consistent appeals for cooperation, democratic engagement, and reason ultimately lead to his marginalisation, paralleling Gaude's current situation. The BJP’s inclination toward disciplinary measures instead of engaging in open dialogue mirrors the novel's marginalisation of rational leadership, thus spotlighting the vulnerability of reformative voices within hierarchically structured political parties.
Authority or authoritarianism?
Political parties in India operate with considerable autonomy regarding their internal affairs. Their disciplinary frameworks covering warnings, suspensions, expulsions, and removal from positions are governed by internal constitutions approved by the Election Commission of India. Such mechanisms are essential to maintaining party discipline and coherence; however, unchecked authority within these processes risks authoritarian tendencies.
When internal party discipline suppresses critical voices or dissenting perspectives, the core democratic principle of accountability is threatened. The balance between authority and democratic openness within parties must be carefully preserved to prevent descent into autocratic control, reflecting the trajectory depicted in "Lord of the Flies."
Parallel adjudication –
Constitutional concerns
The disciplinary proceedings initiated by the BJP against Minister Gaude prompt vital constitutional questions regarding the limits of internal adjudication. While political parties are permitted to enforce internal discipline, these procedures must respect constitutional guarantees of free speech, natural justice, and due process. Indian jurisprudence emphasises that internal party disciplinary actions must be fair, transparent, and non-arbitrary, aligning with broader constitutional norms.
The risk of internal disciplinary measures evolving into parallel adjudicative systems is significant. Such parallel systems may undermine the established judicial framework by offering party bodies quasi-judicial authority without adequate oversight or accountability. Indian courts have consistently asserted that political parties’ disciplinary procedures cannot circumvent fundamental constitutional protections or infringe upon the legitimate rights of their members.
Risks to democratic
accountability
Unchecked internal discipline can cultivate environments of fear and conformity, analogous to the imagined "beast" in "Lord of the Flies," symbolising internal anxieties and insecurities exploited to justify oppressive governance. Political parties, therefore, must vigilantly balance disciplinary authority with democratic principles, transparency, and accountability. Ignoring this critical balance could transform parties into isolated authoritarian islands, disconnected from democratic norms and scrutiny.
The central tragedy in "Lord of the Flies" is not merely the boys' unfortunate circumstance of being stranded, but their inability to sustain democratic principles amidst adversity, leading ultimately to chaos and authoritarian rule. Similarly, the central concern in the BJP-Gaude controversy lies in the prioritisation of party conformity over open introspection and dialogue. Goa’s ruling party currently stands at a critical juncture, facing the choice between transparency and authoritarian impulse.
The BJP must decide whether it will engage constructively with internal criticism or reinforce a hierarchical discipline that silences dissent and fosters authoritarian tendencies. Like the boys on the island, the decision taken now by Goa’s BJP will significantly influence the future health of the state's democratic environment, underscoring the enduring relevance of Golding’s cautionary tale.
A path forward
To ensure robust democratic accountability, the BJP should embrace transparency, encourage constructive internal debates, and establish clear and impartial disciplinary procedures. By promoting openness and protecting the rights of members to express valid criticisms, the party can strengthen internal democracy and public trust, steering clear of authoritarian pitfalls.
