In a recent and alarming development in Surat, the essence of Indian democracy has been challenged, striking a discordant note that reverberates with concerns about the future of political discourse in the nation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in Surat was elected unopposed to the Lok Sabha, an event that casts a long shadow on the democratic process. While the BJP celebrates this as a triumph, it inadvertently spotlights a grim reality: a democracy devoid of opposition is a democracy in decline. This concerning scenario unfolded when allegations surfaced that the nomination papers of the Congress candidate, Nilesh Kumbhani, were compromised with forged signatures.

Further complicating matters, Suresh Padsala, the dummy candidate for Congress, faced the rejection of his papers under similar dubious circumstances, culminating in the withdrawal of eight other candidates. This cascade of withdrawals left Mukesh Dalal, the BJP candidate, as the sole contender, leading to his uncontested victory declared on April 22. The absence of a contest in Surat raises significant questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the use of state mechanisms to stifle opposition. Such tactics, marked by manipulation and misinformation, not only undermine the electoral system but also erode the foundational democratic principle of fair and free competition.

The BJP’s vision of a “Congress-less India” might resonate with its strategy of political dominance, but it harbors an authoritarian undertone that is antithetical to democratic values. Moreover, the broader implications of these events are disconcerting. Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred in the Chandigarh mayoral election, where an election officer tampered with results, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court. These episodes collectively paint a troubling picture of the current state of Indian politics, where electoral victories are increasingly seen as paramount, irrespective of the means to achieve them.