Imagining power, polity, and citizenship in New India
- Are we in a 'Shell' Democracy ? -

Hijam Monarsingh Dallo Rihmo *

Democracy empowers the people by definition. In New India however, the definition appears to have changed, and Indians are now increasingly finding themselves at a critical juncture — whether we live in a democracy as enshrined in the Constitution or whether our democracy has devolved into something like a 'Shell Democracy'.

A façade that retains all the features of a democracy but in reality, concentrates power in the hands of the few. Elections appear funded and driven by corporates and the wealthy few. I shall call it, for want of better words `Corporatocracy', and for the latter `Elitocracy'. With the current going ons that the country is no longer a true democracy. It is power by the few.

The policies and decisions are aligned with their 'Interest', and not the welfare of the people. If we see some welfare measures, I must say it must be only to retain the bare minimum to qualify as a welfare State. This phenomenon is no different from a monarchy, or a plutocracy or an oligarchy. "The media, which is the fourth pillar of democracy, as I've come to learn recently, is now facing increasing scrutiny.

They now appear to be doing the job of convincing people that the system is working. Rather than reporting on problems, it appears to be managing narratives, perceptions etc. Much like the "Framing Theory", by Erving Goffman. The media leaves no room to question the Govt and convinces everyone that everything is fine.

If anything goes wrong there appears a reason, a cause—this could be a scapegoat or for lack of reasons, simply history or nature even. But sadly, the country in reality is tearing apart, citizens are now identified and classed according to their religion, their background, the place they belong to, their ancestry. There is no equality, no shared values or "Civic Nationalism".

It is unfortunate and saddening that these troubling developments are real and compromising the promises in the "Preamble". As a citizen, I feel we don't need to know the entire Constitution, the "Preamble" is sufficient. Our democracy in reality, has created a class of citizens, whereby we are grouped and identified by our color, features, caste, religion, community and region.

In the process we have also created hyper-Nationalists who drive and create further rifts in the society. Fracturing the very definition of an 'Indian'. Creating hierarchies, for better understanding we can call it the 'Caste' Citizenship. This reality in fact, appears to wholly embody the different kind of Indians we see now.

While the article is not to question the democracy, elections continue in other parts of the country apart from Manipur. But the nature, and process of conduct, the working of the system altogether reflects deep divisions that surfaced recently in Manipur, but this, it is actually in the entire country.

Personally, I feel, if it's not religion, it is language, if there is no other thing to divide, we seem to be good in inventing newer reasons to differentiate among ourselves. There is simply no questioning. Public spaces do not discuss or engage in productive discourse anymore. We do not talk policies, we do not talk models, we do not talk regional problems and possible solutions. We do not talk ideas anymore.

It is so common that the term "Blind followers" is gaining currency. I understand much of what I write do not have clear definition and appear 'invented' jargons. But in reality, they are. Because these terms do not exist in curriculums and theories. There is no background or even a similar thought that is taught in schools and colleges.

But that's the whole idea of theories, they are borne out of ideas, from experiences, from imperfections. If I had to rely on books, I wouldn't be able to piece this article together without conveying the message I feel is very urgent. That I will call it academic and I believe they follow an intense rigor, validation and reviews.

The article I have written here is more to do with indigeneity and rooted in experience and observation rather than college degrees. The definitions I have quoted above are also terms I have invented. But I trust that they make sense because in this malaise, I feel I am not alone, it's a shared problem.

If power is in the hands of the few and not with the people, can we then call it a `Shell Democracy'.

It is very troubling to see how the Govt appears only 'Reactionary' when it comes to its core job, the focus has shifted to multiplying wealth for the businesses.

Whether such endeavor is really resulting in National progress and in turn helping the country is altogether another question we need to ask The rest is not on the agenda unless it serves political interest—the survival and continuity. Coming to Manipur, not only the laws but even identity appeals to be weaponized.

We should question ourselves how many promises from the preamble—Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity—truly exist in New India. How do we ensure all citizens are treated equally regardless of ethnicity, background, geography or even topography. And hope for a Govt that can fulfil its basic duty—the security of life and property and our well-being.

Not rule over us, rather empower us. Not cage us inside a city, rather reward us with freedom to pursue livelihood and the means to achieve higher standards of living at par with other Nations on average, if not the best.

Leadership should not be defined by virtue of one's position. The leader must act and lead, inspire us and not instill fear either in person or by "law". Politics must be ethical. We must ask ourselves who is in power. It is necessary that we uphold the principles of democracy and not let it reduce to a "Shell".