SIR may pave way for ‘democracy of the few’, says Parakala Prabhakar
Economist Parakala Prabhakar warns that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could disenfranchise millions, potentially leading to a 'democracy of the few.' He argues that the process, combined with upcoming delimitation, risks marginalizing minorities and economically weaker sections while consolidating majoritarian political power.
Why it matters
The critique highlights significant concerns regarding the integrity of India's electoral process and the potential for systemic exclusion of vulnerable populations in the democratic framework.
“The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) will create two classes of citizens — those who can vote and those who cannot. At the current pace, an estimated 16 crore people could be disenfranchised. SIR is, in effect, carving out sections of the country from the democratic process,” economist and political commentator Parakala Prabhakar said while delivering the P.V. Narasimha Rao Memorial Lecture at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The article focuses on a highly critical perspective of government policy, using strong rhetoric like 'democracy of the few' and 'BJPised' without providing a counter-perspective from the government.
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