Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Book Review: Democracy in Decay
The book 'The Dismantling of India’s Democracy: 1947 to 2025' by Prem Shankar Jha talks about how democracy in India has been weakening over time.
The review mentions recent events like violence during Christmas, the killing of Anjel Chakma, and issues with the judiciary and politics.
The book explains how India started with a strong democratic foundation but made mistakes early on, like not having rules for funding political parties.
This led to problems like corruption and crime in politics.
The review says the book is important because it shows how democracy is in danger and needs to be protected.
The book 'The Dismantling of India’s Democracy: 1947 to 2025' by Prem Shankar Jha discusses the decay of democratic pillars in India.
Recent incidents like violence during Christmas, the killing of Anjel Chakma, and judicial issues highlight the weakening of democracy.
The book argues that India's democracy started with strong foundations but made crucial omissions, such as not providing for the financing of the political system.
Indira Gandhi's actions in the 1960s led to a shift from a popular democracy to a predatory clientelist democracy.
The review praises the book for its academic insight, journalistic rigor, and raw courage in detailing events like Godhra and its aftermath.
- Who
- Prem Shankar Jha, author of 'The Dismantling of India’s Democracy: 1947 to 2025'
- What
- A book review discussing the state of democracy in India
- When
- The review reflects on recent incidents and the book's analysis of democracy from 1947 to 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To analyze the decay of democratic pillars in India and the historical context provided by the book
- Author
- Prem Shankar Jha
- Publisher
- Speaking Tiger Books
- Pages
- 373
- Price
- Rs 599
- Reviewed by
- Amitabh Ranjan