Mr. Modi claims that a social movement has been sparked by his discourse. That is a truly original claim. This is true because social movements, which are fundamental to the democratic ethos, are founded on conversation rather than on a sermon from a lofty platform.
Source: Times of India
Conversely, dialogues are participatory in nature, allowing participants to freely discuss and even disagree on a given topic. Free-flowing conversations, probing questions, and criticism have been significantly absent from the Mann Ki Baat addresses. Nobody has the courage to interrogate Mr. Modi about his thoughts on the challenges facing the republic, which include widening religious rifts, a sluggish economy, and tense border situations.
The prime minister speaks, and a submissive population listens. The prime minister occasionally asks respondents questions, probably mindful of his boast that India is the mother of democracy, and they invariably respond by praising Mr. Modi’s policy decisions.This democracy is different in that the dialogue between the ruler and the ruled has been removed.
Given the prime minister’s propensity for doing things in his own u2014 contentious u2014 style, perhaps this is to be expected. After all, Mr. Modi is a unique caseu2014a democratically elected prime minister who has not yet been subjected to rigorous investigation by the press. Some members of the opposition have learned that his rule is equally hostile to criticism and dissent.
Source: NDTV
It is therefore not surprising that India’s democratic credentials have come under scrutiny on a global scale given the once again unfavourable appraisals of press and religious freedom. It is appropriate that the prime minister only chooses to speak from the pulpit in a country that has repeatedly been subjected to attacks on criticism and free speech.
However, elevating an elected official need not necessarily strengthen the foundation of democracy. To make that happen, the prime minister must once again hear India’s mann ki baat.
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