P.R. Sarkar
According to the definition in vogue today, democracy is defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Adult suffrage plays an important role in democracy. In the name of forming a democratic government, different political and communal parties throw their hats into the election ring. Every party issues its own election manifesto …
Category Archives: Political
FAQ: Political
What three factors are essential for establishing a well-knit social order?
The three factors essential for establishing a well-knit social order are:
- Ideological inspiration
- Discipline
- Economic stability
First, there must be proper ideological inspiration for individual and collective progress. Society must be based on universal principles which are also a part of the socio-economic structure. The second factor is discipline. …
The End of Corruption
Jiitendra Singh (MD)
(June 2011) – Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption in India will fail just as Gandhi’s rosy dream of India did, albeit due to no fault of his own. It will fail not because of lack of sincerity and substance but because of reasons beyond his control:
- Corruption is not confined to bribes and financial misappropriation
- Lack of
Qualified Electorate
Under PROUT voting will not be an automatic right but a qualified responsibility. Is it democratic?
Everywhere in society one will find checks and balances. There is never a free-for-all wherever particular duties and responsibilities are involved.
In a job application only those with a relevant resumé will be accepted for the process. Voting is the biggest job in a …
Dialectical Materialism and Democracy
P.R. Sarkar
Social advancement is the triadic blending of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. When a particular theory or thesis loses its competence and power to effect the collective welfare, an antithesis is created against the prevalent theory. As a result of clash and cohesion between these two opposing forces a resultant is created, and this resultant is called synthesis. Is …
Individual Liberty and Collective Interest
Ac. Krtashivananda Avt.
There is a general concept that ’to coerce a person is to deprive that person of his/her freedom’. But the question remains, ‘freedom from what?’. The liberal view is that one should be free to express one’s desires. But this is not so simple as it appears.
In so-called democratic countries, political freedom means voting rights, freedom …
California Goes for Progressive Voting
(June 9, 2010) – Voters in California have opted for a new ballot system that sends the top two vote-getters — regardless of party affiliation, or non-affiliation — into a final run-off. All the candidates in a primary election will run in the first round, and the top two vote-getters will then face each other in the general election. The …
The Need for Electoral Reforms Toward Greater Democratic Good – I
Who Should Exercise Franchise?
Mahesh Prasad
Though the need to bring in major electoral reforms, rather overhauling the system, was long felt, but it goes to the courage and conviction of TN Seshan that despite mountain of obstacles, he has raised a one man army and is fighting the battle alone; yet, his efforts are only peripheral.
Looking into the …
The Need for Electoral Reforms Toward Greater Democratic Good – II
Who Should Be Allowed To Contest And Get Elected?
Mahesh Prasad
No doubt, every one, whether a king or a recluse, must be equal before law. For this object Article 14 of the Indian Constitution specifically lays down: ‘The state shall not deny to any person equality before law’. But, this concept should remain confined to the process of law …
The Need for Electoral Reforms Toward Greater Democratic Good – III
The Collective Wisdom
Mahesh Prasad
The very basis of democracy lies in consensus.i.e. in collective wisdom. One man, howsoever wise or well intentioned, is likely to falter. This is the reason why democracy has been evolved to reflect collective opinion in decision making. But, in a party democracy, especially in parliamentary democracy, as we have adopted in our system, the …