Ranchi: Development economist Jean Dreze illuminated the challenges facing Indian democracy, emphasizing that the current predicament extends beyond the “recent rise of authoritarianism” and includes the curtailment of dissent by the BJP regime. He suggested that the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections under such conditions might as well be orchestrated.
In a candid dialogue with PTI, Dreze recalled how five years earlier, Arundhati Roy likened the 2019 elections to a contest between a Ferrari and a few bicycles. “This analogy remains relevant. The Supreme Court’s revelations demonstrate that the Ferrari runs on corporate patronage, while the bicycles, representing major opposition parties such as Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Congress, face targeted attacks,” he noted.
“The leaders of these parties have endured incessant scrutiny and intimidation from central authorities for prolonged periods. Former Jharkhand chief minister Soren is incarcerated, Lalu Prasad has dealt with sporadic detentions, and Rahul Gandhi narrowly evaded a similar outcome as the Congress’ funds were frozen. Any political figure who poses a threat to the BJP risks persecution. In these scenarios, the elections appear orchestrated,” the Belgian-born economist elaborated.
When questioned about the BJP’s assured victory in Jharkhand’s mineral-rich landscape, the development economist noted that numerous inhabitants harbor grievances with the saffron party. “Though the bicycles may not be in pristine condition, their collaborative effort this time is promising. This teamwork can significantly alter the outcome. Previous Lok Sabha elections have consistently yielded unexpected results since 2004, except for 2019. Opinion polls often miss the mark. While the BJP might secure a majority in the state, its dominance may not reach the 11 out of 14 seats it clinched in 2019,” he stated.
Discussing Jharkhand’s persistent poverty and underdevelopment despite possessing nearly 40% of India’s mineral resources, Dreze pointed to the state’s entanglement in a contractor-controlled paradigm.
“Contractors exploit public resources, abetted by bureaucrats and politicians who shield them. Initially, I assumed this issue was limited to smaller towns, but it’s emblematic of a systemic predicament. Mineral wealth, hailed as a blessing, worsens the issue by empowering the contractor Raj and corroding the democratic fabric.
“The electoral system, far from remedying this, is ensnared within it. Impoverished individuals hold negligible sway, save for fleeting moments during elections. Consequently, they have been poorly served by the state government, regardless of the party in power. This scenario prevails in other states too, but Bihar and Jharkhand exemplify it,” he articulated.
Concerning the state’s economic challenges, Dreze advocated a comprehensive revamping of the educational system, starting with teacher appointments.
“Astonishingly, a third of government primary schools in Jharkhand are manned by a solitary educator, blatantly violating the Right to Education Act and shortchanging students. Since 2017, no new teaching staff have been employed, worsening the problem as retirements diminish the workforce without replacements. The entire education system resembles a rudderless vessel in dire need of corrective measures,” he stated.
The development economist also championed revitalizing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). “Jharkhand possesses the potential to emerge as a model for employment assurance, given its abundant rural workforce. I propose a significant pivot towards utilizing local resources for the community’s advantage instead of selling them to corporate interests,” he recommended.
“Jharkhand is endowed with immense potential for the sustainable and equitable development of local produce such as vegetables, fruits, fish, livestock, and diverse forest products. Collectively, these initiatives could revolutionize the rural economy. However, actualizing them requires political resolve, a quality sorely lacking in the current milieu,” he added.
On the shortcomings of democratic politics, Dreze expressed that recent restrictions on democratic liberties, including freedom of expression and dissent, can undoubtedly be reversed. “Nevertheless, the crisis of Indian democracy transcends the recent surge of authoritarianism. It includes a chronic failure that dates back. As Dr. Ambedkar cautioned long ago, democracy cannot coexist with the pervasive inequalities ingrained in the economy and society.
“His warning was disregarded, and now we are facing the consequences. I struggle to see how we can address this failure beyond a certain point without fundamentally transforming our economic and social structures. A lesser-known truth in economics is that workers can operate most enterprises independently with the aid of elected managers. This kind of profound economic shift would enable true democracy. It won’t happen overnight, but we can work towards it,” he concluded.