No political system can ever be perfect, especially one as vast and complex as the Government of India. The NDA government led by the BJP is no exception. It has achieved notable successes in several fields, yet it also suffers from many shortcomings that deserve honest scrutiny.
One of India’s deepest and most persistent problems is corruption. It continues to exist in public institutions, the private sector, and even in everyday public life. Despite its commitment to clean governance, the present government has not been able to eliminate corruption at the grassroots. Corruption weakens institutions, promotes nepotism, encourages the criminalisation of society, and gradually erodes citizens’ trust in the system. The leakage of the NEET examination paper is one example of how corruption can undermine the country’s future, hurting millions of young Indians who depend on a fair and transparent system.
The Right to Protest, Not to Paralyse
In today’s environment, almost every Indian has some grievance against the government, society, or the institutions with which they interact. Seeking redressal of these grievances is a fundamental democratic right. Citizens are fully entitled to seek legal recourse and use peaceful means, including agitations, to express their views.
However, India’s unique circumstances make violent mass protests particularly damaging. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, inadequate urban infrastructure, congested transport networks, overstretched law enforcement agencies, and increasing disruptions caused by climate change, the country can ill afford prolonged agitations that paralyse normal life. Most Indians are fed up with the culture of “bandhs”, “blockades” and other disruptive protests which interfere with their already stressful lives.
The recent protests demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over examination-related issues, reflected genuine frustration among many young people who feel repeatedly let down by the system. Their concerns deserved attention and credible action. However, genuine protesters were in a minority as political activists, habitual agitators, extremist groups, foreign social media handles and criminal elements entered the movement. Attempts to create disorder, embarrass the government, provoke confrontation and to divide communities were clearly visible. The widespread use of abusive and obscene language against the Prime Minister by many participants also reflected a disturbing decline in civility and public discourse. Disagreement must never descend into personal abuse.
Dreams of a Regime Change
The success of the recent political agitations in our neighbouring countries has raised the hopes of anti-India and anti-Modi forces making them believe that a similar protest could destabilise India to a level where they could force a regime change. Amongst those seeking to exploit such agitations are political groups that have repeatedly failed to challenge the BJP electorally, left wing ideologues, hostile foreign actors and vested interests that view public unrest as an opportunity to weaken the state. Although their motivations differ, they often converge around a common objective of discrediting the Government. This lot is desperate and desperate people are dangerous, they can go to any extent to discredit the Government even if it destabilises the country, slows its progress and may even lead to its breakup.
“No enemy has the capacity to weaken India as much as Indians can weaken themselves”
Whether such a development is even possible in India’s political and social landscape is debatable although every targeted agitation divides people and weakens the already fragmented society. The people of the country must see through these events dispassionately and not support anarchic agitation with the hidden aim of undermining the Indian democracy. The experience of countries where governments have been overthrown through mass agitations offers a sobering lesson. In many cases, replacing governments did not automatically strengthen democratic institutions or improve governance. Corruption persisted, bureaucracies remained entrenched, political instability increased, and in some countries the military acquired even greater influence over public affairs. Changing governments is often easier than transforming systems.
Having been uniform throughout my professional life interacted with militaries world over, particularly of our neighbourhood , I have developed great respect for the “Indian democracy”. Although imperfect, our election system is effective and provides adequate opportunities for political change and to vote out Governments that fail to meet public expectations. Therefore, those seeking change should focus on persuading voters rather than paralysing the nation.
Equally, governments must respond to public grievances with transparency, accountability, and timely corrective action.
A Word for Modi and the Opposition Parties
Prime Minister Modi has already secured his place in India’s political history by winning three consecutive general elections. The remaining years of his present tenure provide him with an opportunity to focus less on electoral politics and more on governance. If his government succeeds in rooting out corruption, improving administrative efficiency and eliminating nepotism, it will not only strengthen India’s institutions but also considerably enhance the NDA’s prospects in 2029.
The Opposition must understand that it also carries an important responsibility. A healthy democracy requires a strong and credible alternative, not merely criticism of the ruling party. Rather than repeatedly questioning electoral outcomes and undermining our electoral process or relying solely on street protests, opposition parties must present a coherent vision, credible leadership, and practical policy alternatives. Regional leaders have demonstrated that electoral success against the BJP is possible under the right circumstances. If Joseph Vijay has been able to halt the BJP’s advance in Tamil Nadu and V.D. Satheesan has successfully led the Congress-led Opposition in resisting the BJP’s expansion in Kerala, there is no reason why national opposition leaders cannot strengthen their appeal through better organisation, performance, and constructive politics.
Democracy thrives not because governments are flawless, but because citizens have peaceful and constitutional means to correct them. Protest has an honoured place in India’s democratic tradition, but it must remain disciplined, lawful, and focused on reform rather than disruption. Equally important, citizens must rise above the narrow considerations of caste, religion, region, and personal gain while exercising their democratic rights. The ballot should be guided by merit, governance, and the long-term interests of the nation. Governments must listen, the Opposition must provide a credible alternative, and citizens must vote with wisdom and responsibility. Only then can India realise the full promise of its democracy.
11 comments
Very well and aptly articulated article.
Spot on Sir always. Plain speak, practical and a way forward. Every member of the democracy has a role to play and that they must diligently. No issue can be won over by violence and nothing can justify violence by anyone.
Very well articulated the need of the hour….. unfortunately,the spontaneous protests by CJP might ve been infiltrated by disruptive elements to spoil the show. Their protest had a genuine grievance of resignation of Pradhan which should not ve been refused on ego or prestige . The frustration of young was palpable..
The govt did well in yielding to the resignation request and Should not take it as a defeat, instead take it as a lesson.
The suggestion by author that after 10 yrs of rule, Modi should get set to leave electoral politics and try to correct system, corruption etc..
As usual a well balanced and mature view of the author, makes it a very pleasant reading , specially in today’s highly politicised and vicious environment, where media , families and friends are all polarised by loads of misinformation .
Thanks for sharing the Good article.
1. Rise in population is also one the problem for India.
2. Limited seat in medical college and too many applicants Limited resources and too many demand will lead to corruption.
3. Agitation should be held in a peaceful way and there should be no interference of outsiders.
4. Role and responsibilities for conducting these exams in a transparent and free from leakage should be on Government. Govt. must take strict action against culprits.
What a beautifully written and thoughtful article by General Gajendra!! Couldn’t agree more with him on his clear thoughts! The CJP-led agitation over the NEET-UG paper leak and exam irregularities began as a largely student-driven protest, but quickly turned into a national political flashpoint once major opposition parties and leaders joined, framing it as a broader struggle over youth rights, accountability, and governance.
On the other side, the agitation has raised serious questions and concerns: was it hijacked by opposition parties and “foreign elements”?? Allegations of overseas funding, and the visible presence of foreign nationals at Jantar Mantar as signs that a genuine student movement was being weaponised to destabilise the government.
One of the more balanced article on the subject. You have very clearly brought out the responsibility of each player to ensure self corrections in our democracy.
It’s a balanced article, but public representatives also need to introspect. Those in Parliament should carry humility, as they are there to serve the people. Treating the Education Minister’s resignation as a personal defeat and celebrating with a grand coronation-like display the very next day sent the wrong message.
Before questioning the language of the youth, Parliament must first uphold its own standards. We have all seen members shouting, using unparliamentary language, disrupting proceedings, and even coming to blows. Respectful conduct has to begin within the House itself. The CJP episode too reflected how irresponsible language from those in constitutional positions can lower the quality of public discourse.. though i am neutral and do not support any party of politician
Sir, we’re sorry that the protest was inconvenient. And I’m sure were there in person, to see what the crowd was made up of. It’s ironical that it took a protest for you to recognize the “decline of civility” when it’s clearly on display everytime party “workers” step out on say, valentines day. It’s also ironical that you believe that “agitations” divide people.
I could go on but it’s clear what you’re implying while trying to sound balanced.
This is the problem, the “civil” protest is ignored for 20+ days, people raising legitimate questions are labeled as “anti-national”, “foreign-funded”, “leftists”, etc and discredited. It leads to a level of frustration that tends to boils over. But nothing that the force of local authorities can’t quash.
Finally, younger people care about social issues and transparency a lot more than they care about development, religion, and hyper-nationalism. If the NDA really wants to stay relevant to the new voters that’ll be joining the electoral population in the next election, then they’ll really need to rethink their communal rhetoric, stop seeing every question as an attack from the opposition or outside, and step down from their ivory towers to actually engage and SERVE the public. This high headed “don’t tell us what to do, we know what we’re doing attitude” will need to change.
I appreciate your candid views
Very nice written. But sir, the language used by the students in this period can not be considered legally good and they must be penalized. No mercy on such people, otherwise they will repeat it . This was first attempt with the help of opposition and will likely to be repeated as they have tasted the blood.