Demonstrations, strikes etc may be the prerogative of the people in a democratic country but, when they turn violent and destructive, it makes a mockery of democracy. In a two-party set up there may be heated debates but they never spill over to the streets. But, in a country like India where there are umpteen political parties, formed on the basis of castes, religions, languages or regions, differences or problems crop up, every now and then and, invariably, lead to violent protests and destruction of public properties. Of late, the influence of these narrow-minded and aggressive politicians is creeping into universities and colleges. Students resort to violence, endangering their own future and their parents’ hopes. Newspaper offices and Television stations have become the targets of some of these elements and an over cautious government takes its own time to take any action against the perpetrators.

If democracy is to survive in India, the politicians have to abandon the vote-bank politics which forces the major parties to appease communal and regional interests at the expense of national interests. Above all, there must be absolute discipline which calls for Zero tolerance against violence and destructive tendencies