Amongst a significant section of citizens, there is deep and widely felt anxiety, now openly on display about the referee’s role in the ongoing election for the 18th Lok Sabha.

That things have come to such a sorry pass is a travesty for India’s electoral democracy.

The recent snub against EVM doubters by chief election commissioner that it is 'wrong to blame EVMs for your unfulfilled desires' expose CEC’s ignorance of the basic concept of elections and democracy.

NHRC office-bearers are handpicked to ensure that the charter of human rights remains merely on paper. Although meant to protect the citizens, the rights body has instead resorted to covering the government's violations. 

Public trust in electronic voting machines has never been lower than it is today and there's a good reason why.

As evident from the 'Not in Our Name' campaign, which has drawn over 3,200 signatures, a vast majority of Christians are hurt by the display of cult-sycophancy.

Public demand for this in a resolution was initiated by civil society in August because ECI’s intention and capacity to hold free and fair elections as per its constitutional mandate has been fading fast.

The BJP secured victories in three states and the Congress in one. However, the Congress garnered more votes than the BJP. A critical examination of the electoral landscape reveals intriguing disparities.

A near ten-fold increase in the size of the economy and per-capita GDP is being projected to be achieved in the next 25 years in the backdrop of poverty, hunger and unemployment.

As India enters the platinum year of the ratification of its constitution on November 26, the precious gift of democracy is fast diminishing and is being replaced with the notion of 'Hindu Rashtra'.

The 'Rath Prabhari' and the Ministry of Defence's 'selfie-point' orders are obviously aimed at creating a positive public perception of the BJP government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of general elections in 2024.

JP has been accused of providing a platform and respect to the RSS. Though true, it must be remembered that he was never a supporter of the organisation's communal agenda and politics.

Bringing the Election Commission under the control of the political executive is repugnant to the concept of an independent election commission enshrined in the constitution.

Ashoka University scholar Sabyasachi Das's paper, 'Democratic Backsliding in the World’s Largest Democracy,' has led to conversations in some circles and outrage in others. But the rot is deeper.

It's been more than 45 days and the situation in Manipur continues to remain tense. Treating it as a merely law-and-order issue – which the government has done so far – will not ameliorate the situation.

The idea of 'new democracy' is built on reviving elements of monarchy with trappings of a Hindu Rashtra and inspired by Hindutva leaders like Hedgewar, Golwalkar and Savarkar.

Since Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014, the ethos of civil services has been shifting from constitutional values to management compliance. This has been attempted through a huge lateral entry of 'compliance managers' to capture the IAS.

This is not the first time India’s democracy has been discussed on foreign soil. During the Emergency too, the revival of democracy in the country was the subject of global discussion.

It costs a whopping Rs 72,000-crore. Two of the consultant’s reports have contradicted each other. NITI Aayog is in denial. The environment report appears tutored. And the supersonic speed with which all approvals have proceeded has been mind-boggling.

Only if practical measures to implement today’s order are put in place and can provide a level playing field, will we be able to usher in a modicum of integrity and confidence in the umpire. This is the essence of a ‘free and fair’ election.