Democracy and the Implications of Political Violence

Source: The Hindu (violence)

Why in News

Political violence undermines democracy by eroding public trust in political institutions, polarizing communities, and violating the core principles of democratic engagement.

The murder of two Youth Congress workers, Kripesh and Sarath Lal, in Kasaragod, Kerala, and the conviction of CPI(M) workers, highlights the grim realities of political violence and its detrimental impact on democracy.

Relevance for UPSC

(GS Paper II-Governance and Democracy)

(GS Paper-I (Society)

  1. Examining political violence’s impact on democratic structures and social cohesion.

The Incident and Its Political Context

In 2019, Kripesh and Sarath Lal, aged 24 and 21 respectively, were brutally murdered in Kasaragod. The recent conviction of 14 individuals, many of them CPI(M) workers, has sparked political debates:

  • The Congress has framed the verdict as an indictment of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, accusing it of fostering a “culture of violence.”
  • The CPI(M) has denied institutional involvement, alleging conspiracies by rival parties to weaken its stronghold in Kasaragod.

This incident is reflective of political violence being used as a means to assert dominance and suppress dissent, a trend that undermines democratic principles.

Implications of Political Violence on Democracy

  1. Erosion of Democratic Norms:
    • Political violence, such as assassinations, disrupts free and fair competition among political parties, which is the bedrock of democracy.
    • The use of violence to suppress opposition silences dissent and creates fear, limiting citizens’ participation in the political process.
  2. Polarization of Society:
    • Incidents of political violence deepen divisions among political groups and communities, fostering long-term hostility.
    • Kerala has seen recurring violence between political parties like the CPI(M) and the BJP-RSS, exacerbating polarization.
  3. Undermining Rule of Law:
    • Allegations of law enforcement being influenced by political interests, as seen in this case, undermine public trust in the judiciary and police.
    • The Congress accused the Kerala government of subverting justice by making a weak case against the accused.
  4. Impact on Governance:
    • Frequent instances of violence divert resources and attention from developmental governance to managing law and order.
    • Political assassinations tarnish the image of the ruling party and diminish its moral authority to govern.

Examples from India of Political Violence

  1. Kerala:
    • Kerala has a history of clashes between the CPI(M) and RSS-BJP, as well as the Congress, with tit-for-tat murders marring the state’s political landscape.
    • Notable cases include the murder of RSS leader Elanthottathil Manoj in 2014 and the killings of CPI(M) workers in Kannur district.
  2. Tamil Nadu:
    • The infamous murder of AIADMK Minister V. Ramesh in 2013 and attacks on opposition workers highlight how political rivalry can lead to violence.
  3. Jammu and Kashmir:
    • Political killings, including the assassination of BJP leaders and workers, have been used as a tool by militants to disrupt electoral processes and instill fear among voters.
  4. West Bengal:
    • Post-poll law & order issues in West Bengal in 2021, involving clashes between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP workers, led to deaths and displacement, reflecting the deep entrenchment of political violence.

Way Forward: Addressing Political Violence

  1. Strengthening the Rule of Law:
    • Independent investigations into political murders and acts of violence must be ensured to establish accountability and deter future crimes.
    • Law enforcement agencies must act impartially, free from political influence.
  2. Fostering Political Accountability:
    • Political parties must take a zero-tolerance stance toward violence and expel members involved in such acts.
    • Civil society and media should demand greater transparency and accountability from political leaders.
  3. Promoting Democratic Values:
    • Encourage dialogue and non-violent competition among political parties through public forums and debates.
    • Educational campaigns must focus on promoting tolerance and respect for political diversity.
  4. Ensuring Electoral Integrity:
    • Strengthen mechanisms like the Election Commission to monitor and curb the influence of violence during elections.
    • Deploy adequate security forces to maintain peace during elections and in politically volatile regions.

Conclusion

Political violence strikes at the heart of democracy by undermining its core principles of peaceful competition, dialogue, and representation. Incidents such as the murder of Kripesh and Sarath Lal in Kerala highlight the urgent need for reforms to curb this menace. Upholding the rule of law, fostering political accountability, and promoting democratic engagement are essential to ensuring that democracy thrives without the shadow of violence.

Scroll to Top