‘Mother of democracy’ India not in good shape: Financial Times Editorial Board

Titled “The mother of democracy is not in good shape”, the British daily business newspaper says that the “gap between pro-democratic rhetoric and reality” is widening in India. The newspaper says Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often called India ‘Mother of Democracy.’ 

The newspaper says that a “squeeze on free expression and opposition” has been a feature of the rule of PM Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), especially since its second win in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The piece refers to the recent arrest of opposition leaders including Arvind Kejriwal by Enforcement Directorate and the bank account freezing allegation of principal opposition party – the Congress.  

Follow all Arvind Kejriwal news LIVE updates Here

“Harassment, often by tax or legal authorities, has become common for government critics, be they independent media, academics, thank-tanks or civil society groups. The BJP’s muscular Hindu nationalism has eroded India’s tradition of secular democracy,” reads the piece. 

The Financial Times piece comes amid opposition charges of ‘misuse’ of investigation agencies against the PM Modi led government. The opposition has for this reason called the BJP a ‘washing machine’, referring to the increasing phenomenon of opposition politicians accused of corruption not facing any probes after switching over to the BJP. The charge has been rejected by the government. 

An Indian Express report on April 3 said that at least 23 of 25 Opposition leaders accused of corruption since 2014 have got reprieve after joining the BJP.  

The FT piece also refers to the March 31  ‘Loktantra Bachao’ Maharally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, in which key opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc came together during Maidan in solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal and protest the larger concern of  ‘misuse’ of central agencies by PM Modi led Union government.

“Rahul Gandhi accused Modi of ‘match-fixing’ in the run-up to the election. The BJP denies the allegation that Modi and his party have used state agencies and authorities to stifle opponents or affect the election,” it reads saying that it is ‘puzzling’ that the ruling party would even see a need to ‘squeeze’ the opposition at a time when opinion polls suggest the BJP is winning a third term in power in 2024 elections.

Also Read: Sanjay Singh’s bail: Will it help ease tough PMLA rules, give respite to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in liquor policy case?

The newspaper says since India is today one of the world’s largest and most vibrant economies, it has to manage its democracy according to its own culture and traditions. 

“But there is an ever-wider gap between Modi’s pro-democratic rhetoric and the reality. This matters not just for the rights and freedoms of its people. India’s attractiveness for investment, and as a geopolitical partner for countries wary of an increasingly authoritarian China, relies in large part on its image as a democratic, law-based state,” it reads.

Also Read: PM Modi denies opposition’s accusations of probe agency misuse: ‘We neither obstruct nor direct ED’

The newspaper also refers to concerns expressed by the United States after New Delhi summoned the top US diplomat to protest the criticism by Washington of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. 

“Other democratic nations should be similarly robust. Preserving political freedoms is in the best interests of Indian growth and prosperity, and of the Modi government’s ambitions to enhance the country’s role as a leading member of the global community,” it reads.  

Milestone Alert!
Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world 🌏 Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it’s all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Published: 03 Apr 2024, 10:39 AM IST