Indian Democracy Thrives Despite Utter Chaos, Money, Castes

​​Home to nearly one billion voters in its most recent election, India represents a complex and dynamic democratic landscape. Its ongoing development trajectory—marked by efforts to reduce poverty and expand access to education and opportunity—offers important insights into the relationship between democratic governance and inclusive growth. As global challenges mount, there is a pressing need to support institutions that uphold democratic principles, foster critical inquiry and promote inclusive development and human rights.

So said the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo on June 23 in an event cohosted by the Singhvi Centre for Constitutional, Parliamentary and Legal Studies entitled, “India and the World: Democracy, Development and Justice”.

UNU Rector Tshildzi Marwala moderated a lively discussion with a senior politician and a leading academic from India who gave examples of positive change and transformative impact that highlight the challenges and possibilities of sustaining democratic governance alongside rapid social and economic change. 

Member of Parliament and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India Dr Abishek Singhvi and founding Vice-Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University in Haryana State. Prof. C. Raj Kumar also discussed how countries across Asia and beyond confront questions of inequality, institutional trust and civic participation. 

The following day, Prof Kumar addressed the Diet to help “strengthen the bilateral Higher Education Relationship … enhance the democratic values and reinforce the democratic principles shared by Japan and India.” 

How can democratic systems remain responsive and resilient? What role can universities play in promoting informed public discourse and equitable development? And how can societies ensure that democratic values translate into meaningful opportunities for all?

Acknowledging that Indian politics and elections are “utter chaos,” Dr Singhvi claimed that “vibrancy helps democracy.” He added that there had been an “explosion in the number of leadership positions held by women in India, but there are still many milestones to go”. Although a record number of women voted in the most recent election, in June 2024, in which more women than men voted in 19 of the 36 states, they number just 12-15% in politics. “In the past, women sent proxies, but now they are in power,” he said.

The number of women recruited by India’s bloated civil service and critical armed forces is increasing, as it also is in professional services such as law. “Some 1.5m to 2m women now have jobs with the power to decide policies and budgets and they are actively participating in democracy.”

Perhaps India’s biggest export is its tech experts. “But the digital sector has three main downfalls: addiction, fake news and fraud. Technology does tremendous good, but also causes much harm. Our leaders want to control social media and they ask, how can they do that? We worry that visual media is a form of visual terrorism.” 

There are still far fewer women than men serving in the high courts and supreme courts. “Unfortunately, women must still try harder than men to be seen as competent,” said Prof Kumar. “Democracy is not just about voting but also about the civil society and the culture of India,” “Many young people these days are conscious of their political aspirations and they want to join the government. Today’s universities are hotbeds of national politics in a society where education and employment are still the two most important topics. Society now has greater expectations for accountability and bigger aspirations. India must celebrate pluralism because one size cannot fit all.”

Both speakers agreed that the banned caste system in India is still widely practiced, but has less influence. “Caste-based discrimination, segregation, violence and inequality persist,” admitted Prof Kumar. “However, there is some debate about whether some caste members who have advanced deserve the benefits of that caste.” 

Responding to a question from the audience about how India can follow Japan’s Meiji Restoration example which wiped out the nation’s caste system, he said: “The best equalizer is education, but your caste will always be recognised in some way.”

Dr Singhvi added: “We must create better conditions to help lower castes enter politics, law and other professions. We are responding to the challenge, but there is much more to do. Courts have upheld the rights of castes, but our institutions must be strengthened to become resilient,” he added. 

What is the biggest threat to Indian democracy? Prof Kumar replied: “One of the biggest threats to our democracy is money power; electoral democracy must have a level playing field; if one party has more spending power then it’s not a fair contest. Advertising time wins elections.”

No serious global debate would be complete these days without mentioning Donald Trump: “I cherish two things in the United States: its institutions and systems. But US First Amendment rights and institutions have been weakened in just two weeks by Trump,” he argued. 

Still on the global stage, Dr Singhvi said: “Because the West has traditionally created rules that had to be accepted by the Global South without consultation on key issues and despite challenges from the UN, we need to invest in BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates].”

Prof Kumar agreed and ended the event by saying: “BRICS has been great for India, but it is not very active now and needs to be revitalised as it is being weakened by how other nations look at China.”

Key Insights: Democracy and Development in India and Asia

• India’s democracy remains resilient despite electoral complexity, social inequality and the enduring legacy of caste-based discrimination. Progress is visible in rising female political participation and public sector leadership.
  
• Education is key to inclusive development, with universities playing a critical role in empowering underrepresented groups and fostering democratic values across Asia.
  
• Money power and media manipulation were flagged as growing threats to fair elections, underscoring the urgent need for campaign finance reform and media literacy.
  
• Technology is a double-edged sword, enabling civic engagement while also spreading misinformation and deepening inequality, highlighting the need for regulation and digital safeguards.
  
• India–Japan ties in higher education are deepening, with both nations emphasizing democratic values, institutional resilience and regional cooperation.
  
• BRICS and the Global South are gaining importance as India seeks to reshape global governance frameworks and push for more equitable participation in international decision-making.