The crumbling of the opposition in India: a challenge for democracy
At a recent seminar in Kerala, panelists expressed concern about the threat to democratic institutions in India. They stressed that authoritarianism has become so entrenched in the country that the state manages to protect itself from any challenge without encountering real opposition.
John Brittas, a distinguished MP from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), is one of 140 opposition parliamentarians expelled – then reinstated – for demanding an explanation for a security breach in the Lower House of Parliament. This situation raises the crucial question of the opposition’s lack of resistance and its ability to defend democratic rights in the face of the growing power of the ruling party, the BJP.
Since the re-election of Narendra Modi in 2019 and in anticipation of the next elections, the opposition seems divided and in difficulty. Faced with a government that is fully using its prerogatives to weaken secularism and neutralize democratic institutions, the opposition is struggling to organize and offer a credible alternative.
The BJP has maneuvered to expand, attracting opposition members and forming regional alliances to strengthen its grip on power. Majority rhetoric and the questioning of minority rights show a worrying shift towards a communitarian vision of society, to the detriment of the country’s centuries-old principles.
Legislative changes, such as the revocation of Kashmir’s special status or the citizenship law that discriminates against Muslims, reflect this worrying trend. The Modi government’s policies have often marginalized Muslims and reduced their employment opportunities, thereby accentuating social and religious divides.
In this context, the opposition must find its voice and articulate constructive resistance to protect democratic principles and guarantee the rights of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs or community affiliation. This harsh reality underscores the urgency for opposition political forces to come together and find a common language to confront India’s rising authoritarianism.