The past twelve years of Indian politics have raised serious questions about the health of the country’s democratic institutions. Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under Narendra Modi, came to power in 2014, its promises of development, corruption-free governance and national pride have coexisted with growing concerns about media freedom, the independence of investigative agencies, electoral transparency and communal harmony. Democracy is not merely about winning elections; it is also about respecting constitutional limits and remaining accountable to the people.

Questioning the government is not an act of disloyalty. It is a democratic responsibility. Branding journalists, opposition leaders, students and civil society activists as anti-national for criticising government policies weakens the foundations of public debate. Invoking Pakistan or China to cast doubt on the patriotism of critics is no substitute for answering legitimate questions. Patriotism lies not in unquestioningly supporting those in power, but in defending the Constitution, citizens’ rights and democratic institutions.

The media’s role is equally crucial. A free press must scrutinise those in authority rather than merely reproduce official narratives. Excessive attention to communal controversies, relentless attacks on opposition parties and inadequate coverage of unemployment, inflation and livelihood concerns can distort public priorities. Corporate ownership interests, dependence on government advertising and allegations of pressure through investigative agencies have further intensified concerns about editorial independence. Not every media organisation is aligned with the government, but the erosion of critical journalism leaves citizens less informed and weakens democratic accountability.

The functioning of central investigative agencies has also attracted persistent criticism. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department must enforce the law impartially, regardless of political affiliation. Allegations of selective investigations, arrests and differential treatment of political leaders deserve transparent answers. Where cases against some leaders appear to lose momentum after they join the ruling party, public confidence inevitably suffers. Allegations are not proof of guilt, but the credibility of law enforcement depends on consistent standards and demonstrable independence.

The judiciary, too, must be assessed without sweeping generalisations. Indian courts have reviewed government decisions and protected fundamental rights in important cases. Yet prolonged detention, delays in bail and the slow progress of trials raise troubling questions. When people remain incarcerated for years before their guilt is established, subsequent acquittal cannot fully restore their lost liberty. Equal justice must be visible in practice, not merely guaranteed in principle.

Electoral integrity is another essential pillar. The Election Commission must maintain equal distance from the ruling party and the Opposition. Questions concerning voter rolls, campaign practices, hate speech and political funding require credible answers. In February 2024, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional, underscoring the importance of transparency in political donations. Citizens have a legitimate right to know who finances political parties and whether such contributions are linked to policy favours. Electoral victory provides a mandate to govern, not an unlimited licence to rule.

The ideological influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP’s emphasis on Hindutva have also intensified concerns about social cohesion. Respect for Hindu faith must not become a justification for political domination. When Muslims, Christians and other minorities are subjected to suspicion or exclusion, the constitutional promise of equal citizenship is weakened. Communal polarisation may yield electoral dividends, but its social costs can endure for generations.

Economic performance must likewise be judged beyond headline growth figures. Employment quality, youth unemployment, rural incomes, inflation and inequality matter as much as gross domestic product growth. The 2024 India Employment Report, published jointly by the International Labour Organization and the Institute for Human Development, highlighted serious concerns about youth unemployment and the employment challenges faced by educated young people. Development claims ring hollow when young citizens struggle to find secure and dignified work.

Peaceful protest, therefore, should be recognised as a democratic safeguard, not treated as a threat. Suppressing dissent may conceal discontent temporarily, but it cannot resolve its underlying causes. Young people demand jobs, quality education, equal opportunities and the freedom to question authority. Their concerns deserve engagement, not dismissal.

Ultimately, no political party owns the media, investigative agencies, judiciary, Election Commission or Parliament. These institutions belong to the constitutional order and the people they serve. The legacy of twelve years in power will be judged not merely by electoral victories, but by institutional independence, social harmony, economic opportunity and respect for dissent.

Power may command authority, but it cannot claim permanence. When governments mistake electoral mandates for immunity from scrutiny, they undermine the very democracy that brought them to office. The BJP and the RSS have every right to defend their ideas; they have no right to deny citizens the freedom to challenge them. In a constitutional democracy, no leader stands above the law, no party stands above the Constitution, and no authority stands above the people.