Controlled Democracy: Do We Really Need It?

Bangalore: Controlled Democracy was the topic of debate among various eminent personalities in an NDTV show. The panel comprised – Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Mr. Tarun Vijay, Mr. Mukul Kesavan, Mr. Patrick French, Ms. Shazia Ilmi and Mr. Sankarshan Thakur.

Dr. Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, had earlier stated that “our democracy is so much that it destroys ourselves” and that “the time has come that India has controlled democracy like Malaysia has. The solutions will be quicker.” He also said that we must start thinking about certain things and if we don’t, we will never find solutions. Abdullah’s opinions were in line with those of Mahatir Mohamad, Former Prime Minister of Malaysia. Mohamad said that, “If India is not too democratic, it will be like China in terms of development. It is important for the world to understand the limitations of democracy.” He also said that “too much democracy can obstruct decision making.”

Abdullah’s talks revolved around the average Indian citizen in the debate. He brought forth points like how the people do not understand what is happening, which is around 60 percent, while only the remaining 40 percent do. He also said how this 60 percent needs to be educated to reach the desired level. He mentioned how only the people at the bottom vote, while the ones at the top never do but they are the ones who make the policies. He reassured the public as to how FDI in retail would not adversely affect small shop-owners because FDI in retail will only be implemented in cities having a population of 10 lakhs and above. He also raised the topic of Cold Chain and how it will improve the economic conditions of our country’s farmers.

Vijay, the BJP National Spokesperson, said that Controlled Democracy is “a dangerous idea. It’s an idea that has always been adopted by autocrats and dictators to justify their oppression of the people.” He said that the core factors behind China’s development are patriotism and opening up of the markets. He also said that “if there’s a choice between freedom plus poverty and dictatorship and prosperity, I will choose freedom plus poverty not a dictatorship with prosperity.”