India has punched above its weight on the world stage not because of its size but because of its leadership. In 2024, can the world’s largest democracy set an example for the world to reset and bring back good faith in its politics? A fundamental purpose of democracy is to establish processes to negotiate differences among a diverse population that must coexist. However, the erosion of good faith in our politics has led to a mindless zero-sum antagonism, where only the most partisan, rather than those driven by public interest, can thrive. This status quo, if left unaddressed, would be tragic for everyone who loves our country.
Acknowledge the behaviour on both sides
The question then is how do we go beyond rhetoric to restore trust in our politics. There are no easy answers but the following could possibly spur further discussion.
