Indian democracy could metamorphose into illiberal one based on Hindutva: Ansari


New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI): Former vice president Hamid Ansari on Tuesday termed India's electoral democracy a "success story" but said there was apprehension that it could metamorphose into an "illiberal" democracy based on the principles of a socio-political philosophy called Hindutva. Speaking at the launch of his book, he said "correctives" were essential, and it was the duty of the citizens and of the civil society to raise questions.

The book was launched here by former Chief Justice of India T S Thakur in the presence of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and a host of other leaders.

Ansari said he is concerned as a citizen about the contemporary debate in the country relating to three things- the principles of the ideological foundations of India, what is the condition of the institutional structure by the Constitution, and the implications of these for the Indian democracy.

Talking about the book, he said, "Our electoral democracy is a success story, but it has not transformed itself into to a substantive, inclusive and participatory democracy."

There is apprehension that it could metamorphose itself into an "illiberal, ethnic democracy based on principles of a socio-political philosophy called Hindutva, whose core concepts circumscribe the ambit of citizenship."

Ansari said his approach to his book "Dare I Question? Reflections on Contemporary Challenges" has been spelt out in the preface and he has raised the question "What is it to be an Indian?"

"This takes us firstly to the meaning of nationalism in the context of India's plural society, our composite culture and the resultant need to be inclusive and move beyond mere tolerance to the acceptance of diversity as a civic virtue," he said.

Secularism in the Indian context means symmetric political treatment of different religious communities, defence of minority rights and prevention of bigotry, Ansari said.

Political democracy as B R Ambedkar said a long time back must be based on social democracy, he said, adding that dissent is of critical importance in an open society.

"There is an evident decline in adherence to rule of law norms and the efficacy of institutions- legislature, executive and judiciary. This has resulted in public disenchantment and is a matter of concern," Ansari said.

The book is a collection of his speeches and writings, made mostly in his last year in office and some in recent months. "The pre-launch publicity given to the book by the media tends to suggest that it might contain some version of a 'kiss and tell tale', nothing could be further from truth," he said.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Bengaluru/Katapadi

    Thu, Jul 19 2018

    The top leaders are not bothered about burning issues and priorities but engaged in misguiding the people to get more votes

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    It won't be surprising tomorrow if he claims "my life is in danger, I should be given Z security."

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rational thinker, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Nobody is bothered about corruption, bad roads, lack of footpaths, parking, pollution and development as a whole. People are fighting over religion, who eats what meat, renaming roads and cities. I really wonder why we never use our brains or resources to see what is need of the hour.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • PenMightierThanTheSword!, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Please read and understand what Dr Mohammad Hamid Ansari has said.

    He is absolutely right in saying
    'India's electoral democracy a "success story"' but said there was "..apprehension that it could metamorphose into an "illiberal" democracy based on the principles of a socio-political philosophy called Hindutva." and "Our electoral democracy is a success story, but it has not transformed itself into to a substantive, inclusive and participatory democracy." That is exactly what the RSS and the Sangh Parivar are trying to achieve through their chaddi bhakt stooges led by Fakendra Modi and Vomit Shah i.e polarise the nation through divisive hate-mongering politics of Hindutva!

    DisAgree [11] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lionel Dsouza, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    YOU CAN LEAVE INDIA.....

    DisAgree [11] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinayak Prabhu, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Democracy...why are you unhappy if your man is not elected? People elect government..everytime it won t be as you wish or as I wish...so democracy is in danger

    DisAgree [11] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Sorry to hear from a person who was our vice President

    DisAgree [4] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaison, karkala

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    This man enjoyed a lot while in active politics doing nothing to society as well his own people, after loosing political powers now speaking like a safe guarder of Indian constitution.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.S.Kamath, Mumbai

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Absolutely Right Jaison ,Karkala
    When in power he could have done a lot if he wills
    Now speaking is surely to get back into some sort of power that is all

    DisAgree [7] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robin, Byndoor

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    He speaks now. He shook head when he was in position... Being a so called minority man enjoyed the highest post... One has to see his contributions to his own community ...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rational thinker, Mangalore

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Robin, please note that president and the Vice President have absolutely no power in India. They are only ceremonial positions, puppets in the hands of prime ministers.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Robin, Byndoor

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    @Rational Thinker, Mangalore

    That I know very well. If he is not satisfied with the things going as he expected, he could have resigned while in his position. What is the point in talking now. That means - attitude of - whatever let happen I won't leave my position, salary, facility etc... Right ?

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Stop this Hindu & Muslim Business.
    Please understand God made Man & Man made Religion.
    We are stupid to fight on Religion because Religion was created by we Idiots ...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kuchan, Kudla

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    Wow.. every time only 5 words.. why now more than that....

    DisAgree [6] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Wed, Jul 18 2018

    I wanted to drive this point deep into your guys Heads ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse


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