Shouldn't we have debates between NaMo and RaGa similar to the US presidential debates?
While the idea of hosting debates similar to US presidential debates between Indian political leaders, such as Narendra Modi (NaMo) and Rahul Gandhi (RaGa), might seem appealing for several reasons, there are some significant considerations and differences to take into account:
Parliamentary vs. Presidential System
India operates under a parliamentary system of democracy, which is distinct from the presidential system of the United States. In a parliamentary system, the government is formed by the party or coalition with a majority in the legislature, and the leader of this party or coalition becomes the prime minister. This system emphasizes accountability to the legislature rather than direct accountability to the people through a presidential election1.
Focus on Issues vs. Personalities
In the Indian context, debates often get overshadowed by personal attacks and less focus on policy issues. Sitaram Yechury has pointed out that the "NaMo vs RaGa" narrative tends to be more about personalities than about substantive policy discussions, which can be detrimental to the democratic process4.
Structural Differences
The US presidential debates are designed for a system where the president is directly elected by the people, making these debates crucial for voters to assess the candidates directly. In contrast, Indian voters elect their representatives to the legislature, and the leader of the government is chosen by these elected representatives.
Potential for Erosion of Parliamentary Democracy
Introducing presidential-style debates could inadvertently contribute to a shift towards a more presidential form of democracy, which could erode the foundations of India's parliamentary system. This system was deliberately chosen by India's founding fathers for its emphasis on accountability and stability1.
Practical Considerations
While structured debates can be beneficial, they need to be tailored to the specific democratic framework and cultural context of India. Simply adopting the format of US presidential debates without considering these differences might not be effective or relevant.
In summary, while debates between prominent political leaders can be valuable, they should be designed in a way that respects and enhances India's parliamentary democratic system, focusing on policy issues and substantive discussions rather than personal attacks.