Satyagraha in Democracy: Opportunities and Pitfalls
Dr. Janmit Singh

Abstract
Satyagraha was considered as morally rightful mean to resist unjust laws in totalitarian regimes. But there is a perspective which advocates granting scope to affirmative action by individuals and groups in democratic regimes. This may provide a channel to people to articulate their political resentment and insist for improvement where political class failed to represent their aspirations. But counterargument remains that any reform must usher from the constitutional structures and any attempt to circumscribe them would prove counterproductive as it would undermine the working of democratic structures. The analysis of various such movements in general and of Anna Hazare led movement in particular reveals that such movements act as means for the empowerment of people if continued to maintain their non-partisan nature. However, any attempt on their part to act as alternative to existing political class defeats not only their own cause but proves to be disastrous for democratic regimes.

Full Text: PDF