On July 20, 2024, the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity – Karnataka Chapter (FDCA-K) organized a symposium at the Bangalore Islamic Foundation Trust Hall to discuss the mandate of the 2024 Parliamentary Elections and the way forward for Indian democracy. The event saw a diverse array of speakers, including renowned lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan, Retired IPS Officer Mr. Firoz Pasha, Dr. Mohammad Taha Mateen, Ms. Tara Rao, and Justice H. N. Nagamohan Das, each shedding light on different facets of the elections and the challenges ahead.
Assault On Constitutional Values
In his keynote address, Prashant Bhushan highlighted the severe assault on the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. He criticized the ruling government for manipulating both mainstream and social media, systematically targeting minorities, and politicizing independent bodies such as the Enforcement Directorate, Election Commission, and National Human Rights Commission. Bhushan pointed out the irregularities in the reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), especially citing the Rafale Deal, and criticized the appointment of individuals with affiliations to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as chairpersons of bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
L to R: Kathyayini Chamaraj, M.F Pasha, Justice H N Nagamohan Das, Prashant Bhushan, Tara Rao
Propagation Of Hate And A Personality Cult
Bhushan condemned the ruling party’s organized propagation of hate and the creation of a personality cult around Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Modi’s overexposure had alienated many citizens, particularly those affected by the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, where large numbers of people were displaced, and real issues like corruption and unemployment were ignored. The result was a significant drop in votes for the BJP in these areas.
A Rejuvenated Opposition
The 2024 General Elections revealed a strong resistance to the authoritarian government, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing only 240 seats, paving the way for a stronger opposition. Bhushan emphasized the critical role of alternative media and journalists like Ravish Kumar in this political shift, urging civil society to support these voices. He proposed the formation of a “Truth Army” of civil society groups and individuals to combat the BJP’s “Paid Troll Army,” advocating for legal action against online trolls and calling for state funding of elections and the empowerment of local bodies to strengthen democracy.
The Role Of Civil Society
Dr. Mohammad Taha Mateen, director of Acura Hospital and a noted philanthropist, praised the ideological victory against authoritarianism but warned that vigilance was still necessary. He called for a revival of the “Idea of India” by addressing essential issues such as farmers’ welfare, healthcare, and education. Dr. Mateen stressed the importance of maintaining focus on substantive issues rather than being distracted by trivial matters. He called for a “mohabbat ki dukaan in a nafrat ka bazaar”
Grassroots Mobilization
Ms. Tara Rao, a member of the central working group of ‘Eddelu Karnataka,’ celebrated the electorate’s shift from “mandir and mangalsutra to mudda”. She described how Eddelu Karnataka mobilized citizens across over 150 constituencies, turning passive spectators into active participants determined to hold the government accountable. The organization’s grassroots campaign for voter awareness played a crucial role in the success of state and national elections, contributing to an increase of the secular vote from one seat in 2019 to nine seats in 2024 in Karnataka.
Eddelu Karnataka’s campaign focused on critical constituency identification and engagement, local outreach, and communication with context-based narratives. The organization aims to make accountability a tangible experience for voters, fostering active citizenry for a reimagined and sustained democracy. The next phase of their campaign will adapt the successful Karnataka model to other states in India, forming a broad-based coalition to push back against hate politics.
Ms. Rao she light on three essentials for reclaiming our democracy- the ‘collective’ which refers to the citizens, the ‘narrative’ which is shaped by active participation at the grassroots level, and the ‘pushback’ by showing up and stepping up.
The Victory of Rationality
Former Judge of the Karnataka High Court Justice H. N. Nagamohan Das, in his presidential address, declared that common citizens saved democracy in the recent Lok Sabha elections by focusing on life and livelihood issues instead of emotional rhetoric. He urged opposition parties committed to secularism to unite and present a common minimum program, emphasizing that economic and social democracy must take precedence over mere political democracy. Justice Das called for greater awareness of the Constitution among citizens and advocated for a proportional representation system, increased minority representation, and immediate reservation for women in legislative bodies.
The symposium underscored the collective efforts required to safeguard democratic values and the importance of addressing core societal issues over emotional manipulation. The discussions highlighted the need for continued vigilance, the importance of alternative media, and the critical role of civil society in strengthening democracy. The way forward, as emphasized by the speakers, lies in unity, rational discourse, and sustained efforts to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution. The 2024 Parliamentary Elections have set the stage for a reinvigorated opposition and a more vigilant and engaged citizenry, determined to hold their government accountable and protect democratic values.
