Autocracy model of democracy is the first choice of the people

The recent report of American think tank Pew Research on democratic countries is shocking in the context of our country in the sense that the autocracy model of democracy is more attractive to the countrymen. According to the report, people of India are second only to Sweden in being satisfied with the functioning of the country’s democratic government. While in Sweden, 75 percent people are satisfied with the way the democratic government works there, whereas in India, 72 percent people like the way the democratic government works. This year, elections are going to be held in about 50 countries of the world. In this sense, the survey conducted by Pew in 24 countries regarding the democratic system holds special importance. The interesting thing is that among the countries included in the survey, only 33 percent of Americans are satisfied with the functioning of the democratic government there. Well, this is a different matter, but the most shocking fact is that the general public of most of the countries of the world has started liking the leader who takes bold decisions. But what becomes important in the context of our country is that in 2017, where 55 percent of the countrymen liked autocracy, its graph has increased rapidly and today 67 percent of the people have more faith in autocracy or should we say, a totalitarian leader. Apart from India, among the countries where confidence in autocracy is increasing, there are many countries including Kenya, South Korea, Germany, Poland. The trend towards autocracy has increased in 8 out of 24 countries included in the survey.

Actually, people like leaders who take decisions. The passion to do something is what the countrymen look for in a leader. Despite lakhs of allegations and solidarity from the opposition, Narendra Modi has consistently remained the people’s choice in the last two elections and the 2024 elections also seem to be moving in the same direction. Opposition parties try to create issues but the issues start turning into self-goals. The manner in which efforts were made to corner BJP regarding the recent election bonds, it does not seem to be coming to an end yet, but an important thing to understand is that who are the donors? Obviously rich people with money. The money in election bonds is coming from rich people and their percentage is not so much that it can influence the election result. On the contrary, the ruling party has the support of poor common voters. That means, despite making election bonds a major issue, Narendra Modi or BJP has been completely successful in winning over the common voters in their favor. Secondly, whichever party it is, only people with money get most of its tickets.

As far as the autocracy model of democracy is concerned, today the opposition has been openly leveling this allegation against Narendra Modi. But if we open the pages of the past, it is Narendra Modi’s Gujarat model that has helped him in getting power at the Centre. In fact, the country has always felt the need of a tough and strong leader. If a tough leader has emerged from any party, the common people have accepted him wholeheartedly. Nehru was given importance by the people in the context of that time, then after Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri is still remembered as an honest and powerful leader. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan which today has gone one step further to Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan. Due to the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and the formation of Bangladesh, the countrymen paid tribute to Indira ji. This may be a matter of controversy, but the way discipline was taught during the Emergency or the steps including population control were taken, it will find its admirers even today.

The 12 percent increase in people preferring autocracy in the Pew report should clearly understand that people do not go by the results and reject even criticism when there is no hesitation in taking decisions. The only thing that goes in favor of Narendra Modi is that the opposition accuses Narendra Modi of dictatorship, rhetoric, telling lies or many other things, but the election results of 2014 and 2019 are completely denying the allegations of the opposition. Countrymen have started considering bold decisions like Article 370, Ram Mandir, Triple Talaq, surgical strike on Pakistan and the role of boss among foreign leaders as their pride. Actually, many such examples will be found. This is why this election is also being fought between Modi versus the opposition. The last two Lok Sabha elections were also fought in the name of Modi and the public made everything clear by giving an absolute majority. The recent assembly elections of five states were also fought in the name of Modi’s guarantee in place of BJP regional satraps and the results are out.

In fact, in the new form of democracy, autocracy, the fight is fought on one face and one name. The situation is similar in the elections for the 18th Lok Sabha. Even if it is being said that the condition and direction of 2024 elections are going to be decided by Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, Nitish Kumar, Sharad Pawar, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Asaduddin Owaisi. But the ground reality is that the 2024 elections are based around only one face and one name, Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi versus the entire opposition election has taken shape. The election bugle has sounded. Nominations for the two phases have also been completed, while the nomination process for the third phase of elections has started. The date of voting for 102 Lok Sabha seats of the first phase has also come near. Now it is hidden in the future’s pride that to whom the public gives the keys to power, but it is clear that the public prefers the autocracy model of democracy. Now political parties will have to understand that the common people need a leader with vocal and decision-making ability and if they want to come to power, then it is important to send this message to the common people. One thing should be made clear that people have not preferred autocracy but the totalitarian model of democracy. 72 percent of the people of the country like the way the democratic government works and at the same time like the same face and same name, it is an autocracy model of democracy.

– Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma