A Strong Opposition is Essential for the Strengthening of Democracy — Serious Introspection Needed on the Growing Trend of Defection : Rajbir Singh Bhartiya

A Strong Opposition is Essential for the Strengthening of Democracy — Serious Introspection Needed on the Growing Trend of Defection : Rajbir Singh Bhartiya

​Chandigarh 18 June ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : ​Social activist and Retired Superintendent from the Office of the Advocate General, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, Shri Rajbir Singh Bhartiya, expressing deep concern over the current political scenario of the country, stated that India is renowned as the world's largest democracy. The makers of the Constitution envisioned a democratic system where citizens elect their representatives and, simultaneously, a strong opposition acts as the voice of the people to question the ruling power. Bhartiya observed that over the last few years, the way the country's politics has witnessed rifts within political parties, defection of elected representatives, and the shifting of political equations after securing public support based on specific ideologies during elections, has become a matter of grave concern for democratic values.

​He pointed out that Maharashtra witnessed a split in a long-standing political organization like the Shiv Sena, followed by a division within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Similarly, political transitions in Punjab have raised questions among the public. In West Bengal, the defection of several Trinamool Congress leaders and the subsequent political upheaval brought significant changes to the state's politics. Now, the resurfacing political developments in Maharashtra and the ongoing speculations surrounding the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh have drawn the nation's attention toward the need for strengthening the democratic framework. Bhartiya emphasized that this is not an issue limited to any single party or individual, but a question tied to the very structure of democracy. In a democracy, both the ruling party and the opposition have their distinct constitutional roles. If the opposition continues to weaken, it could become increasingly difficult for the problems, questions, and rights of the general public to find an appropriate platform. 

He added that democracy is not merely about forming a government by obtaining a majority, but the respect for dissent, freedom of expression, and accountability toward the public are equally vital. Bhartiya recalled that the architect of the Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, along with other great leaders of the nation, envisioned a system where the citizens hold supreme power and the elected representatives remain honest to the public's trust.

​Expressing concern, he stated that if the sentiment that 'remaining with the ruling power is the only safe path' strengthens within the political system, and the role of the opposition weakens, it could emerge as a serious democratic challenge for future generations.

​He asserted that along with a strong government, a robust opposition is equally essential for the country, as this very balance prevents a democracy from becoming authoritarian. ​Rajbir Singh Bhartiya appealed to all political parties, elected representatives, and citizens to prioritize the spirit of the Constitution, democratic traditions, and the trust of the public above all else, because the true strength of a democracy lies in the awareness of its citizens and the robustness of its institutions.