Guardians of Democracy: A Historical Reflection on India’s Opposition
A robust democracy necessitates both a strong ruling party and a formidable opposition, as it is the opposition that halts the descent of power when it begins to lose control. The framers of the constitution emphasized fundamental rights, the federal structure, and judicial independence, expecting everyone to operate within their boundaries. The significance of the opposition's role in every government since independence is well-known. The current status of the opposition is a crucial question. Reviewing history reveals the vital role the opposition played in governance and its current standing. From 1947 to 2025, India has witnessed numerous influential Prime Ministers who have greatly contributed to the nation's development during their tenure.
Whether you look at the country's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji who contributed significantly in taking India from zero to the top, or Mrs. Indira Gandhi ji who divided Pakistan into two parts and forced them to kneel, or Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a man of indomitable courage and great talent, who conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran when the whole world was looking at us, or the great economist Dr. Manmohan Singh who brought India's economy back on track in the economic recession of 1992 or 2008, with which the whole world was struggling, or anyone else. Every ruler has made a significant contribution in his time and there was one similarity in all these rulers and that was the role of the opposition. These rulers would listen to every point of the opposition with great politeness, would consult, ask questions and take decisions that were in the interest of the country and everyone. The government and the opposition were complementary to each other.
Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Atal Bihari Vajpayee are still remembered by many. Currently, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the opposition accuses the government of not allowing them to express their views. The previous harmony between the government and the opposition seems absent now, raising questions about whether the opposition is weak and merely causing confusion. There was a time when the government and opposition worked harmoniously despite differing parties and ideologies, sharing a common goal. For instance, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru formed his first government, he included knowledgeable opposition leaders in his cabinet. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, an expert in law who contributed significantly to the Constitution, was appointed as the Law Minister. Pandit Syama Prasad Mukherjee, knowledgeable about Kashmir, was made the Minister for Kashmir Affairs. During this period, five ministers from non-Congress parties were appointed. Furthermore, in 1992, when P.V. Narasimha Rao had a full majority Congress government, he chose not to send anyone from his party to represent India at the United Nations on the Kashmir issue. Instead, he entrusted the task to opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who successfully represented India. This was the spirit of India, its governments, and its opposition.
It is also a reality that during the reign of Narendra Modi, the Congress and other opposition parties could not play their role properly. After losing the Lok Sabha elections continuously and facing defeat in many states, the opposition is raising issues of appointments of election commissioners, EVMs, irregularities in voter lists, delay in providing election data etc. The opposition has shown unity on SIR in Bihar, Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor and has continuously stalled the Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called a meeting of the leaders of the opposition India Alliance at his residence on August 7, in which important points will be discussed.
Rahul Gandhi had recently alleged that about 70-80 seats were rigged in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He said that the Prime Minister won with a very narrow majority and if voting had been done properly even in 15 seats, he would not have become the Prime Minister. Along with this, many issues can be raised in the meeting. These include the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process going on in Bihar, allegations of adding fake voters in Maharashtra, Operation Sindoor, India-US trade agreement and possible tariff threat from US President Donald Trump. Opposition leaders are constantly making such statements which are not only funny but due to this their image is becoming that of an immature leader. In the process of entangling others, they themselves are getting trapped in the net they have woven.
Democracy means rule of the people. It is easy to understand how important a strong opposition is in democracy. If the opposition alliance is strong, then it is also a good sign for democracy, but what happens if the opposition is not strong. This is a very big issue. Just waving copies of the constitution and shouting that the constitution is in danger will not be beneficial until the opposition comes forward with concrete policies. Just opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not achieve anything until the opposition presents itself as a solid alternative to the ruling party. Once Ram Manohar Lohia had said that the opposition is as clean and bright as the mirror that shows us our failures. It would be better if the opposition cleans its mirror. Avoid baseless allegations. Have positive debates in Parliament and make itself dynamic and accountable and protect the moral values of politics.