Guardians of Dissent: Navigating India's Democratic Future

During the launch of Ashwani Kumar's book 'Guardians of the Republic', prominent figures Shashi Tharoor and Yogendra Yadav discussed the challenges facing Indian democracy. Tharoor highlighted a troubling trend of undermining dissent, while Yadav warned of a deeper, more structural dismantling of the republic.

Tharoor emphasized that India's ability to engage in public criticism signals it is not yet an autocracy but warned against what he terms the 'delegitimizing of dissent.' He expressed concern over parliamentary disruptions overshadowing meaningful debate. Yadav, on the other hand, stressed that the current issues extend beyond democratic backsliding to an erosion of the republic's structural integrity.

The book 'Guardians of the Republic' delves into India's democratic landscape, examining constitutional values amidst power struggles and public disillusionment. It underscores the role of judicial review in protecting freedoms and explores how constitutional principles can be affected by political expediency.