In response to recent protests led by Gen Z, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the strength of India’s democracy, stating, “The Indian system bent, didn’t break.” His remarks highlight the country’s ability to withstand challenges while maintaining its democratic principles.
At the NDTV World Anviksha Summit, the former diplomat gave a masterclass in political systems in South Asia, the Gen Z protests in the region, and how India is different from other countries that have seen their young population take to the streets. “In Bangladesh and Sri Lanka the rulers couldn’t face the situation and had to flee, and new rulers came in. Nepal also saw a regime change but not the same as in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Here there were fresh elections and a new government came in. In Pakistan the military took over and installed what we call a puppet government. Military took over in Myanmar. “No one expected the BJP government, which has been impervious to public demands for resignations, to respond. The Opposition has asked for resignations at least half a dozen times. Nothing happened. Suddenly, you have a minister’s resignation. The recognition that democracy needs to be nimble enough to recognise a public reality and respond to it is a tribute to the Indian system.
He added that due to a functioning and strong democratic set-up, the government had to respond to the demands of the young protesters.
Read | Amid Flood, Nepal Minister Talks About ‘Action-Oriented’ ‘Rockstar’ PM Shah The response of the Indian polity to the anger of the youth, Tharoor said, gives him hope as an opposition leader.
