New Delhi, India, 2025 — Populism, often characterized by leaders who position themselves as representatives of the “common people” against an elite establishment, has become a defining feature of political discourse worldwide. In India, where democracy thrives on diversity and debate, the rise of populist narratives has brought both opportunities and challenges. While populism can energize citizen participation, it often undermines democratic foundations by polarizing communities, sidelining institutions, and prioritizing rhetoric over governance.

This article explores how populism impacts democratic institutions and grassroots realities in India, supported by authentic reports and data.

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Populism in the Indian Context

1. Simplistic Solutions to Complex Problems

Populist leaders often promise quick fixes to deep-rooted issues, appealing to emotional sentiments rather than addressing systemic challenges.

• Example: Farm loan waivers, a recurring populist promise, provide immediate relief but fail to address structural agricultural problems like low productivity and inadequate market access.
• Data: The RBI Annual Report (2024) revealed that only 12% of loan waiver beneficiaries saw long-term financial stability, highlighting the inefficacy of such measures.

2. Polarizing Rhetoric

Populism often thrives on dividing societies into “us” versus “them,” leveraging communal, caste-based, or regional identities.

• Example: During the 2024 General Elections, a report by the Election Commission of India flagged a 20% increase in communal rhetoric compared to 2019.
• Impact: Such narratives distract from pressing issues like unemployment and poverty, deepening societal divides.

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How Populism Undermines Democratic Institutions

1. Weakening Institutional Integrity

Populist leaders often bypass institutional checks and balances, concentrating power in the executive.

• Example: Allegations of executive interference in judicial appointments, highlighted by the PRS Legislative Research (2024) report, sparked debates about the judiciary’s independence.
• Impact: Erosion of institutional autonomy reduces public trust in democratic governance.

2. Undermining Media Freedom

A free press is essential for democracy, but populist governments often label critical media as “anti-national,” curbing dissent.

• Fact: India ranked 150th in the World Press Freedom Index (2024), reflecting increased restrictions on journalistic independence.
• Example: Investigative journalists reporting on corruption faced 25% more legal cases in 2024 than in the previous year (Press Council of India).

3. Marginalization of Opposition Voices

Populism often seeks to delegitimize opposition parties, framing them as enemies of the people.

• Example: In state assemblies where single-party dominance prevails, opposition bills and discussions accounted for less than 10% of legislative activity in 2024 (PRS Legislative Research).
• Impact: The lack of robust opposition reduces accountability, weakening democratic debate.

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Grassroots Realities of Populism in India

1. Misrepresentation of Rural Issues

Populist narratives often simplify rural challenges, offering immediate but unsustainable solutions.

• Example: The PM-KISAN Scheme, promising direct cash transfers to farmers, has been lauded but also criticized for not addressing systemic issues like land fragmentation and irrigation.
• Data: According to the Ministry of Agriculture (2024), 45% of small and marginal farmers did not receive benefits due to administrative lapses.

2. Suppression of Grassroots Movements

Populist governments often dismiss grassroots protests as “anti-development.”

• Example: The handling of protests against mining projects in tribal regions, where activists faced arrests and internet shutdowns, highlighted the growing suppression of dissent.
• Impact: Marginalized communities lose their voices in democratic processes, further entrenching inequalities.

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Global Lessons on Populism’s Impact

1. Brazil’s Populist Shift

• Reality: Populist governance undercut Brazil’s democratic institutions, leading to economic mismanagement and social unrest.
• Lesson for India: Over-reliance on populist rhetoric risks undermining institutional stability and long-term growth.

2. Hungary’s “Illiberal Democracy”

• Reality: Hungary’s populist government concentrated power while curbing press freedom and judicial independence.
• Lesson for India: Safeguarding institutions and civil liberties is critical to countering authoritarian tendencies.

3. United States’ Polarization

• Reality: Populist politics exacerbated divisions, with misinformation campaigns eroding trust in democratic systems.
• Lesson for India: Investing in media literacy and transparency can counteract the divisive impact of populism.

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Nepal: A Neighboring Case for Caution

Nepal, India’s northern neighbor, provides a recent example of public disillusionment with democratic systems.

• Reality: Growing public dissatisfaction with democratic governance has led to calls for the return of monarchy.
• Fact: A 2025 survey by the Nepal Centre for Social Research revealed that 40% of Nepali citizens favor reinstating a ceremonial monarchy, citing corruption and inefficiency in democratic institutions as key concerns.
• Lesson for India: Public trust in democratic systems must be preserved through transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms to prevent similar sentiments from taking root.

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Reinforcing Democratic Foundations Against Populism

1. Strengthening Institutions

• Protect the independence of democratic institutions like the judiciary, election commission, and media.
• Recommendation: The Election Commission of India (2025) proposed reforms to regulate political campaigns and reduce communal rhetoric.

2. Promoting Inclusive Governance

• Focus on long-term policy solutions rather than short-term populist measures.
• Example: Expanding investments in rural education and healthcare can empower marginalized communities, reducing dependency on populist promises.

3. Protecting Civil Liberties

• Enact stronger protections for journalists, activists, and opposition leaders to ensure a robust democratic discourse.
• Example: Fast-tracking the Journalist Protection Bill, currently pending in Parliament, can safeguard press freedom.

4. Educating Citizens

• Promote civic education to help citizens critically evaluate populist narratives and demand accountability.
• Example: The National Electoral Literacy Campaign, launched in 2019, needs to be expanded to include digital literacy programs.

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Conclusion: Balancing Populism and Democracy in India

Populism, while energizing voter participation, often poses risks to the democratic framework by undermining institutions, polarizing societies, and prioritizing short-term gains over sustainable governance. For India, addressing these challenges requires a renewed commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.

By learning from global experiences and regional examples like Nepal, India can strengthen its democratic foundations, ensuring that its democracy remains resilient, representative, and inclusive for generations to come.