We have become an 'election-only' democracy: Ramachandra Guha in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Expecting an effective dialogue on various issues in the run-up to the assembly polls scheduled next month, 38 different civil society organisations came together under the banner of Civil Society Forum and invited the main political parties in the state for a hearing in Bengaluru on Saturday. However, no big leader from any of the major political parties showed up.

Undeterred, Civil Society Forum members brought out a manifesto for the assembly elections. Historian Ramachandra Guha, who released the document that was a compilation of around 30 demands, said it was a step towards realising the true meaning of democracy.

"Democracy is not just a once-in-a-five-year exercise. It entails continuous expression of non-violent criticism of elected representatives," Guha said, adding: "But we have become an 'election-only' democracy. There is no continuous interaction, dialogue or accountability in the way in which the founders wanted it -- be it [Mahatma] Gandhi or [BR] Ambedkar."

"All of us must cast our vote on May 10, but once results are announced on May 13, we should not forget that we continue to be citizens," he said.