As International Day of Democracy approaches on September 15, activists in Bengaluru reflect on what they see as undemocratic issues in the city and offer potential solutions:
- Curbing Right to Assemble
Civic and women’s rights activist Tara Krishnaswamy criticizes the restriction of protests to Freedom Park. She argues that this violates the fundamental right to peacefully assemble, noting that even judicial decisions have failed to address this issue, thus undermining democratic rights. - No BBMP Elections
Civic rights activist Brinda Adige highlights the lack of municipal council elections as a significant democratic deficit. She believes that decisions on city infrastructure should involve local wards and samitis, not just MLAs, and stresses that the absence of BBMP elections reflects a broader issue in democratic representation. - Lack of Respect
Activist Vinay Kumar points out the societal lack of respect and empathy, quoting B.R. Ambedkar’s view that democracy is about mutual respect and association. He criticizes the unequal treatment of street vendors compared to other forms of small-scale commerce. - Feudalism in Institutions
Gender rights activist Rumi Harish expresses concern about feudal systems within educational and socio-cultural institutions. He calls for a shift towards more democratic and equitable decision-making processes within these settings. - Women’s Safety and Animal Rights
Sudha Narayan, founder of Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE), emphasizes the need for improved safety for women and better enforcement of animal rights laws. She argues that both areas require stronger legal protections and implementation. - Inequality on Roads
Civic activist Vinay Sreenivasa notes the growing disparity on the roads between cars and public transportation. He suggests that the increasing number of cars compared to BMTC buses exacerbates social inequality.
These concerns highlight various ways in which Bengaluru’s democratic practices could be strengthened.
Read More: