Has Indian democracy entered a one-party era? Pratap Bhanu Mehta explains | SpeakEasy - Episode 2

In the second episode of Frontline’s SpeakEasy, senior journalist Amit Baruah speaks with political scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta about the future of Indian democracy and the global turn towards strongman politics. Mehta examines whether India is drifting toward one-party dominance, why Hindutva has become the ideological centre of gravity, and how political fragmentation, weakened institutions, and a fading opposition have reshaped the democratic landscape. He warns that India’s constitutional norms are being stretched to “infinite elasticity”, that authoritarian trends are deepening, and that the ruling elite may no longer find it easy to relinquish power if pushed into opposition. From the collapse of AAP’s political promise to the Congress’s leadership crisis, from institutional capture to the dangers of partisan citizenship, Mehta draws parallels between India and other democracies sliding toward executive overreach—including the United States and France. As he reflects on civic disenfranchisement, the SIR process, the BJP’s dominance, and the opposition’s failures, Mehta raises an unsettling question: Is India entering a phase where the peaceful transfer of power can no longer be taken for granted? Highlights -Why Hindutva has expanded beyond the BJP—and what it means for party competition -How India is drifting toward entrenched one-party dominance -The collapse of AAP and what it reveals about India’s “death of idealism” -Why the Congress cannot project credibility or leadership -How institutions—from governors to the Election Commission—are being reshaped -The dangers of partisan citizenship in India and the U.S. Perfect for -Viewers following Indian politics and democracy -Students of political science, constitutional law, and governance -Those tracking global authoritarian trends -Anyone interested in the BJP, Hindutva, and opposition politics Credits: Host: Amit Baruah Editing: Razal Pareed Camera: Vitasta Kaul Producer: Kavya Pradeep M Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... #pratapbhanumehta #indiandemocracy #hindutva #bjp #oppositionpolitics #indianpolitics #constitution #authoritarianism #india2025 #election2024 #congress #aap #globalpolitics #frontlinemagazine #governance #politicalanalysis #rahulgandhi #narendramodi #emmanuelmacron #donaldtrump #france #usa #indianforeignpolicy Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295