A free civic space regulated under constitutionally guaranteed principles is the essence of democracy. India is lucky to have an unusually diverse and vibrant civil society. However, constitutional freedoms are themselves under siege. It will be important to recognise and protect these freedoms by social and political forces who repose their faith in the Constitution.
The anti-communal and progressive civic space is under the most serious attack by the state. This is also the section of society that will unite against Hindu nationalism under any party that offers the prospect of secularism, interpreted assarva dharma sama bhava (equal respect for all religions), and citizen well-being with economic growth.
