The Fragile Pillars of Freedom

Democracy, at its core, is not merely the act of voting; it is the continuous practice of questioning, dissenting, and ensuring accountability. Yet, in recent times, these vital elements — the very breath of democracy — seem to be gasping for space in an increasingly polarized political atmosphere. The right to freedom, enshrined in the Indian Constitution, was never meant to be ornamental. It was intended to empower citizens to speak truth to power, to challenge injustice, and to defend diversity of thought.

Today, that right stands under quiet siege. From journalists being intimidated for asking uncomfortable questions to citizens being trolled or arrested for expressing opinions, the boundaries of free expression are being tested. When fear replaces dialogue, democracy begins to decay — not abruptly, but through a gradual silencing of dissent.

The role of the opposition, in this context, becomes not just political but moral. A robust opposition is the oxygen of democracy — its absence suffocates governance. In India, however, the opposition has often struggled to act as a cohesive force capable of checking the ruling establishment. Internal fragmentation, ideological inconsistency, and personality-driven politics have weakened its ability to represent the people’s conscience. The result is a dangerous imbalance: an unchecked executive and a muted legislative challenge.

The importance of dissent cannot be overstated. Dissent is not disloyalty; it is the essence of freedom. When governments view criticism as confrontation and citizens as adversaries, democracy risks slipping into majoritarian arrogance. The opposition, civil society, and the press together form the triad that ensures transparency and accountability — their collective weakening is the erosion of the republic itself.

India’s founding visionaries understood this fragility well. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar warned that “constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment” — it must be cultivated. It demands that both rulers and citizens respect disagreement and safeguard freedoms, especially when they are inconvenient.

For democracy to thrive, India needs not just free elections but a free spirit — one that values truth over propaganda and participation over passive consent. The right to freedom is not a gift from the state; it is the people’s inheritance, earned through struggle and sustained only through vigilance.

Democratic rights do not die with a coup; they fade when we stop defending them. The time to speak, question, and hold power accountable — peacefully yet firmly — is always now.