India, with over a billion inhabitants, is unarguably the
largest democracy in the world. In addition, the democracy of India is derived
from the Constitution of India. After British colonial rule, India finally
became a democratic nation in 1947. Since independence, Indian democracy has
been inundated with justice, freedom and equality.
Sovereignty has always been a vital feature of Indian
democracy with full power as a governing body over itself without outside
interference. Furthermore, the people can exercise power in Indian democracy by
electing their representatives. These representatives remain responsible for
ordinary people.
Democracy in India is based on the principle of political
equality. It essentially means that all citizens are equal before the law
without any discrimination on the grounds of religion, caste, creed, race, sect
etc. Therefore, all Indian citizens enjoy the same political, social and
economic rights. This equality ensures the stability and growth of businesses
in India.
Majority rule is an essential feature of Indian democracy.
In addition, the party that wins the most seats forms and leads the government.
Most notably, no one can oppose the majority support. Therefore, the government
elected by the majority always keeps growth as the first priority to stay in
power and have another chance to be re-elected.
Another characteristic of Indian democracy is federal. India
is a union of states. States are somewhat autonomous. In addition, states enjoy
freedom in certain matters. India as a country is governed by a two-chamber
parliament: the Lok Sabha or House of the People and the Rajya Sabha or the
Council of States. The Lok Sabha enjoys more power. But the two houses jointly
make the laws of the country. The prime minister is chosen from the largest
party or coalition of parties. India also has a president who is more of a
figurehead. But in times of emergency, he is empowered to take executive
action.
Collective responsibility is a notable feature of Indian
democracy. The Indian Council of Ministers is collectively accountable to their
respective legislatures. Therefore, no minister is solely responsible for any
act of his government.
Indian democracy is based on the principle of opinion
formation. Furthermore, the government and its institutions must work on the
basis of public opinion. The Indian Legislature provides a suitable platform to
express public opinion. The large voter turnout would mean substantial
participation by ordinary people in Indian politics.
India as a country, compared to anywhere else in the world,
has the largest number of citizens who, despite all the diversities, vote to
keep their nation's sovereignty intact and this is how India achieves the
status of the largest democracy.
The democracy in India is something very precious and is
certainly unique in the world.
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