Article: Why can worship of leaders and personality cult dig up the roots of democracy?

Vanya Vaidehi Bhargava, New Delhi: What is the relationship between leaders and people in democracy? Perhaps the exact answer to this question may not be found. Actually, some people judge leaders on the basis of their work. But the surprising thing is that even today most of the people have emotional attachment with the leaders and openly support them without any thinking. Feel proud of yourself by getting pictures taken with them. How harmful can worshiping leaders like gods be for democracy? Let us understand. Historian Vanya Vaidehi Bhargava, in his/her article, has expressed concern over the culture of blind devotion towards political leaders in India. he/she gave the example of one of his/her tweets made after the 2024 election results in which he/she had raised his/her voice against those promoting individualism around Rahul Gandhi. Bhargava believes that the tendency to see leaders as gods is harmful for Indian democracy.

In his/her article, Bhargava has clarified the fine line between support and blind devotion towards political leaders. he/she says that supporting the vision, efforts and achievements of a leader is part of democracy, but when this support turns into blind devotion then it becomes a threat to democracy.

Bhargava told 3 main disadvantages of individualism in politics

• It deprives citizens of the ability to make their own independent political decisions.
• It also harms the leaders themselves because in the absence of criticism and questions they do not believe themselves to be wrong.
• This promotes neglect of important issues and values, which is detrimental to the progress of the country.

‘Individualism is not limited to dictatorial countries…’

Bhargava gave examples of individualism of dictators like Hitler, Stalin and Mao and explained how it weakened democracy during their rule. he/she also said that individualism is not limited only to dictatorial countries, but it is also weakening democracy in democratic countries like America. he/she cited the example of individualism built around Indira Gandhi in the 1970s and the sense of devotion seen towards Prime Minister Modi in recent times.

‘Instead of promoting blind devotion to Atishi…’

Bhargava expressed concern that according to a 2021 report by Sweden-based Varieties of Democracy Institute, India has slipped 23 points in its democracy index and has been included in the list of ‘increasingly autocratic nations’ like Brazil, Turkey and the US. Citing the example of Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi, Bhargava said that she too should focus on governance issues instead of promoting blind devotion towards Kejriwal, for which the Aam Aadmi Party had received public support.