Sabeer Bhatia Reads the Pulse: X Polls Show Indians See Democracy Weakening, Corruption Thriving

Over the past week, I conducted a series of polls on my X (formerly Twitter) account to gauge public sentiment on key issues shaping India’s future. Thousands participated, expressing their unfiltered views on governance, democracy and the economy. The results reaffirm my belief that the collective wisdom of the crowd often reflects a deeper truth – one that data, punditry or propaganda cannot mask.

A nation disenchanted with power

When asked, “How would you rate the current government?” the majority described it as dictatorial. This choice captures a growing unease among citizens who feel that decision-making has become increasingly centralised and intolerant of dissent.

The follow-up question, “Are government decisions made for citizens or politics?” elicited an even clearer verdict: mostly politics. The message is unmistakable. Indians recognise when policy is driven by optics rather than outcomes.

Economic reality vs. rhetoric

Another revealing insight came from the question “Has your personal economic situation improved in the last five years?” The overwhelming response: worsened. Despite record GDP numbers and grand claims of a ‘rising India’, ordinary citizens are not feeling the benefits.

When asked, “What is the biggest economic challenge India faces today?” the crowd chose corruption – a problem as old as the republic, but one that remains unresolved despite repeated promises of “zero tolerance”.

Freedom, faith, fear

Interestingly, when I asked “Do you feel free to criticise the government?” most said – always – a sign that Indians still value their right to speak up, even when doing so invites backlash.

Yet, the same respondents declared that India’s democracy is getting weaker and that not all religions are treated equally.

The juxtaposition is telling: people feel individually free but collectively anxious about the erosion of institutional safeguards and secular balance. The perception that religious polarisation is “hurting India the most today” underscores this concern.

Education, innovation – and the lost opportunity

When asked whether the government has done enough to promote critical thinking and innovation in schools, the verdict was a resounding “no”. Respondents identified education and the judiciary as the sectors most in need of urgent reforms – two pillars without which no democracy or economy can truly progress.

Education shapes how people think; the judiciary ensures that those thoughts can be expressed freely and protected under law. Both, it seems, are faltering in the public eye.

Infrastructure, climate and the path to 2047

The dissatisfaction extends to physical and environmental foundations as well. A majority reported being very dissatisfied with public infrastructure, and few believe India is taking climate change seriously.

Perhaps most sobering was the response to “Do you believe India is on the right path to becoming a developed nation by 2047?” – a hopeful milestone often invoked by policymakers. The answer: no.

People’s prescription

In the final question, “What does India need most for a better future?” the public’s wisdom shone the brightest. The top answer was honest leadership. Not more slogans, not more schemes – just integrity.

Conclusion: a mirror to the nation

These polls are not scientific surveys, but they are snapshots of sentiment from engaged citizens. Collectively, they form a mirror – and the reflection in it is clear. India’s people remain deeply patriotic and hopeful, yet they are increasingly aware of the gap between promise and performance.

In a world of manipulated narratives, truth still lives in the crowd. The voice of the many, when heard without fear or favour, remains the truest pulse of democracy.

Sabeer Bhatia is an entrepreneur and co-founded Hotmail in 1996.

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