How Political Vengeance Is Reshaping India's Democracy for the Worse
Political vengeance has become a recurring feature of Indian democracy. Leaders increasingly use state power to target opponents, often framing their actions as justice rather than governance. This strategy relies on grievance and retaliation rather than policy debates or institutional reform.
Revenge campaigns in politics follow a clear pattern. They begin with narrative-building, where leaders present themselves as victims seeking restoration. These stories are spread through coordinated messaging, often timed to election cycles or moments of rival vulnerability.
The tools of retaliation extend beyond rhetoric. Selective law enforcement, administrative pressure, and sustained public attacks weaken opponents while signalling dominance. Opposition figures, once out of power, face heightened scrutiny and reputational damage under this playbook.
Digital platforms have accelerated the process. Social media allows rapid dissemination of accusations and emotionally charged content, amplifying the reach of vengeance campaigns. The strategy does not aim to improve governance but to settle past scores and consolidate power.
Over time, this approach reshapes political culture. It rewards confrontation over compromise, deepens polarisation, and shrinks the space for democratic negotiation. Institutions, repurposed as tools of messaging, lose credibility as public trust in the rule of law erodes.
The normalisation of political vengeance carries lasting consequences. It weakens democratic institutions by prioritising retaliation over fair governance. As campaigns rely on grievance rather than policy, the long-term impact includes a more divided electorate and a political system less capable of compromise.
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