Page 10 - Indian Democracy

Those who believe in democracy, secularism must come together: Pawar

Those who believe in democracy and secularism must come together and draw up a "time-bound action program", NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said after taking part in a virtual meeting of opposition leaders

India has to march ahead with new pledges for next 25 years: Modi

India has to march ahead with new pledges for the next 25 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday while addressing the nation on India's 75th Independence Day. "We have to ensure we meet our goal of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India's Independence," the prime minister said. Modi, who hoisted the tricolour at the historic Red Fort before his speech, stressed that the day should not be merely a ceremony. People can take pride that the world's largest Covid vaccination programme in going on in the country, he said. He lauded doctors, nurses as well those involved in vaccine manufacturing and others involved in fighting COVID-19. Pain was one of greatest tragedies of last century, the prime minister said while asserting that August 14 will be remembered as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. He also lauded India's Olympic contingent, which was present at the Red Fort, and said their performance encouraged the youth of the country.

'Sacrilege in temple of democracy': Naidu gets emotional over ruckus in RS

While Naidu was making the remarks, several opposition members entered the Well to raise slogans on different issues.

By 2030, India might lead the world in almost every category: Ex-US envoy

By 2030, India might lead the world in every category, a former top America's diplomat has said asserting that the two largest democracies of the world can do much together.

Behaviour of opposition parties not good for democracy, says Govt

The government on Wednesday said it is ready to discuss any issue in Parliament but the Opposition is behaving in a manner that is not good for democracy

Living in 'interesting times': Dickensian illusion and Orwellian nightmare

The world has too many fires to fight - from climate change to a semi-permanent state of medical alert, increasing threat to democracy, global power shifts, and growing inequality - notes T N Ninan

Reports of snooping on Indians aimed at maligning Indian democracy: IT Min

The minister made this statement in response to media reports that spyware Pegasus was being used to conduct surveillance on several Indians

A new idea of India

The values the G7 espouses must be followed

Some Indian govt actions raised concerns on democratic values: US official

Some of Indian government's actions, including restrictions on freedom of expression, have raised concerns that are inconsistent with the country's democratic values, a top US official has said

It's only words…

Sedition law needs to be observed in letter and spirit

'Old' RSS through a 'new' lens

Book review of Republic of Hindutva: How the Sangh is Reshaping Indian Democracy

'Mirror mirror on the wall ...'

The key fault-lines that must be addressed

We the people

Book review of On Citizenship

Democracies around world, including India, facing threat: US Congressman

The issues that divide the Indian people and its institutions also threaten to hinder needed progress on common challenges, such as vaccinating the global population against the Covid-19 pandemic

Best of BS Opinion: Political culture, the war against NPAs, and more

Here's a selection of Business Standard opinion pieces for the day

Political culture

A country as diverse as ours needs a political culture rooted in constitutional values and political discourse based on truth, respect, civility, and restraint

Even Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein used to have elections: Rahul

Elections are not just about voting, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, noting that even Iraq's Saddam Hussein and Libya's Muammar Gaddafi used to have and win polls

The meaning of 'partly free', and the direction in which India is headed

How far the govt will go towards establishing its control depends on the effectiveness of domestic institutional resistance and on how much it wants to risk international censure, writes T N Ninan

'Misleading': Govt on democracy report downgrading India to 'partly free'

Govt said it treats all citizens equally without discrimination and asserted that discussion, debate and dissent are part of Indian democracy

Freedom House downgrades India to 'partly free' for first time since 1997

The report cited "a multi-year pattern in which the Hindu nationalist government and its allies have presided over rising violence and discriminatory policies"