Sense of betrayal

There is a feeling among a large number ot people that reflects a deep sense of disappointment and disillusionment with the state of India’s democratic and social fabric, particularly in relation to the ideals enshrined in its Constitution. When you examine the concerns systematically, looking at the roles of political parties, state institutions, civil society, and social structures, as well as their impact on minorities and India’s global standing you will find that the feeling is strongly rooted in reality and lived experiences.

Lets take a look at the issue. While doing so, lets also keep in mind the comprexity of  the issue. 

India’s Constitution, adopted in 1950, is a great document that promises justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or gender. It emphasizes secularism, social justice, and the protection of minority rights. However , the reality on the ground shows that these ideals have been undermined by various actors and institutions. 

Lets start with political parties as they are central to India’s democracy. It is obvious that most of them have prioritised power, vote-bank politics, and divisive rhetoric over constitutional values. In recent years, political discourse in India has been criticized for fostering religious and caste-based polarization. Some parties have been accused of promoting majoritarian agendas, sidelining minority communities, particularly Muslims, Christians, and Dalits. For example, incidents of communal violence, such as the 2020 Delhi riots, and anti-Muslim policies like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), brutal repression of democratic protests against CAA-NRC (National Register of Citizens) combine, indefinite incarceration of protesters along with increasing incidence of hate crimes like beef lynching, dehumanising and humiliating hate speech and vilification campaign against Muslims have fueled perceptions of increasing Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims. Political parties across the spectrum have faced allegations of corruption, cronyism, and compromising democratic principles for electoral gains. The weakening of opposition voices, through defections or institutional pressure, has raised concerns about democratic backsliding. Despite economic growth, India remains deeply unequal, with persistent poverty to the extent of living on the verge of starvation, inter-generational malnutrition and lack of access to health care, unemployment, and caste-based discrimination. Political parties have always been seen failing to deliver on promises of inclusive development, leaving marginalized groups behind. 

However, it’s worth noting that India’s democracy remains vibrant in some respects, with regular elections and democratic protests against state excesses as well as its inactions. The resilience of democratic participation suggests that not all hope is lost, though significant challenges remain.

Now lets take a look at the state and its institutions: judiciary, police, bureaucracy, and election machiner. These institutions are meant to uphold constitutional values. Yet, there are concerns about their impartiality and effectiveness. The judiciary has historically been a bulwark of constitutional values, but recent years have seen criticisms of delayed justice, perceived alignment with the executive in some cases, and a backlog of cases affecting marginalized groups. For instance, the handling of cases related to communal violence or dissent has sparked debates about judicial neutrality. Reports of custodial violence, extrajudicial killings, and bias against minorities and lower castes have tarnished the police’s reputation. Human rights organizations have documented cases of targeted harassment of minority communities, activists, and journalists. Institutions like the Election Commission, Reserve Bank of India, and media regulatory bodies have faced accusations of being influenced by the ruling government, undermining their independence. The use of laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) against dissenters has raised alarms about shrinking democratic space. 

On the positive side, institutions like the Supreme Court have occasionally delivered progressive judgments, such as decriminalizing homosexuality (2018) or affirming privacy rights (2017). These examples show that institutional failures are not universal, and reform is possible.

Now turning to civil society, i.e., NGOs, activists, and citizen movements, it can be seen that it plays a crucial role in holding power accountable. However, it has faced challenges. Activists, journalists, and academics critical of the government have faced harassment, arrests, or funding restrictions. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) has been used to limit NGOs’ operations, particularly those working on minority rights, human rights or environmental issues. Civil society is diverse but often divided along ideological, regional, or caste lines, limiting its ability to present a united front against systemic issues. Despite these challenges, civil society has achieved successes, such as mobilizing against gender-based violence (e.g., Nirbhaya protests) or farmers protests against now repealed farm laws or advocating for tribal rights. Movements like these demonstrate that civil society remains a force for change.

Fourth, Social institutions like family, community, and cultural norms. These are also important as they shape India’s social fabric but often perpetuate inequalities. Caste-based discrimination and communal tensions continue to undermine fraternity. Lynchings over cow vigilantism, honor killings, and caste atrocities highlight the failure to eradicate regressive practices. Despite legal reforms, gender-based violence and discrimination persist, with no progress in empowering women and gender minorities. Social institutions have been slow to embrace progressive values, partly due to uneven access to education and entrenched hierarchies. However, younger generations and urban movements are challenging these norms, offering hope for change. Movements like these demonstrate that civil society remains a force for change.

The feeling that minorities have been betrayed is rooted in specific grievances. Muslims, who constitute about 14% of India’s population, have faced rising Islamophobia, including hate speech, discriminatory laws, and economic exclusion. Christians and Sikhs have also reported targeted attacks in some regions. The CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC) debates amplified fears of disenfranchisement among Muslims. Dalits and Adivasis continue to face systemic discrimination, with limited access to education, jobs, and justice. Atrocities against these groups often go unpunished, reinforcing a sense of abandonment. Linguistic diversity is a strength, but tensions over language policies (e.g., Hindi imposition) have alienated some communities. Yet, India’s diversity also fosters resilience. Minority communities have organized protests, such as the anti-CAA and anti-waqf amendment demonstrations, and continue to assert their rights through democratic means. This activism suggests that the constitutional framework still provides avenues for redress.

The perception that India has betrayed the world at large stems from its democratic reputation and global responsibilities. International indices, like the Freedom House Democracy Index, have downgraded India’s status (e.g., from “free” to “partly free” in 2021) due to concerns over press freedom, minority rights, and judicial independence. This has damaged India’s image as the “world’s largest democracy.” Reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have highlighted issues like internet shutdowns, arbitrary detentions, and violence against minorities, drawing global scrutiny. As a country trying to draw global attention, India is expected to uphold democratic values and human rights. Failures in this regard risk alienating allies and weakening its soft power. However, efforts to project a positive image, such as through cultural diplomacy or climate commitments, indicate that India has not entirely lost its global standing.

While the concerns highlighted above are grounded in real challenges, there are reasons to believe that India has not reached a “point of no return” and that the feeling of betrayal, while understandable, is not the full picture. India’s elections remain largely free and fair, with high voter turnout. The 2024 general elections saw robust participation, and opposition parties have shown they can challenge the ruling coalition in some states. The judiciary, despite pressures, continues to deliver landmark judgments. Institutions like the National Human Rights Commission, though imperfect, provide mechanisms for accountability. Young Indians, particularly in urban areas, are increasingly vocal about issues like climate change, gender equality, and minority rights. Social media platforms amplify these voices, creating pressure for change. 

To address the sense of betrayal and restore faith in constitutional ideals, several steps could be taken. Reforming the judiciary, police, and electoral bodies to ensure independence and accountability is critical. Transparency in governance can rebuild trust. Policies that prioritize minority welfare, reduce inequality, and address caste and gender discrimination are essential. Affirmative action and education reforms can help. Political parties and civil society must foster dialogue to bridge communal and ideological divides. Media can play a role in countering hate speech and misinformation. Supporting young activists and local organizations can drive long-term change, as seen in successful movements like the farmers’ protests (2020-21).

The feeling that India has failed to uphold its constitutional commitments is not entirely false, as it reflects genuine challenges: political polarization, institutional erosion, minority marginalization, and social inequalities. These issues have strained India’s democratic fabric and global reputation. However, the situation is not irreparable. India’s resilient democracy, active civil society, and pockets of institutional integrity offer hope for renewal. By addressing systemic issues and recommitting to constitutional values, India can move away from the “point of no return” and restore faith among its citizens and the world.