India subscribes to the idea of Parliamentary democracy in which a cabinet of ministers holds executive power on the basis of the fact that it enjoys the confidence of the legislature, which is elected directly by the people. However, this principle has been almost continuously undermined by the office of governor ever since the Constitution came into force in 1950.
Indira Gandhi, as prime minister, followed in her father’s footsteps, frequently appointing governors who served their states less and Delhi more. In the 1960s, the West Bengal governor simply dismissed an Opposition government when the Congress couldn’t actually win an election.
This practice has continued well beyond even the decline of the Congress. Under Modi, governors have batted hard for the Bharatiya Janata Party. As long as the office of governor exists, prime ministers will use it in undemocratic ways.
22/05/2023