Personality worship, or excessive adoration of a political leader, has frequently proven disastrous, particularly in democratic regimes where power is theoretically delegated to the people. This effect elevates leaders to nearly legendary status, above reproach and beyond criticism
Niraj Krishna
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar warned in a 1933 lecture in Mumbai, “If you do not nip the idea of idolizing an average individual by bestowing divinity upon him, it will destroy you. As a result, you build a pattern of dependence. This causes you to lose interest in your responsibilities. If you succumb to such views, your future in the national stream will be no better than that of a log of wood. Your efforts will be fruitless.”
Personality worship, or excessive adoration of a political leader, has frequently proven disastrous, particularly in democratic regimes where power is theoretically delegated to the people. This effect elevates leaders to nearly legendary status, above reproach and beyond criticism. When leaders are raised to such positions, it undermines democracy’s foundation, which is based on checks, balances, and accountability.
In a democracy, the common man is supreme. In recent years, there has been an increase in individual worship inside Indian democracy. Regardless of which party has been in power, personality worship has persisted. This cannot be considered a healthy sign because it merely fosters flattery. It is commonly said, “Keep a critic close by,” implying that anyone in power should always be surrounded by those who are willing to critique.
Today, however, we are witnessing the exact opposite. Anyone who obtains any kind of power is unable to endure criticism. If someone, whether a companion or an ordinary person, expresses a true but unpleasant judgment about them, they go to considerable measures to embarrass and harass that individual. In doing so, they cross all boundaries. When these individuals get more substantial positions of power, they begin to exploit every government agency to teach such people a lesson. While this may boost their ego, it also blocks the door to their own development. When someone who offers legitimate criticism is treated this way, others are discouraged from doing the same and instead prefer to agree with whatever the leader says.
The country has been designated a democracy since its independence on August 15, 1947, and the implementation of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. People’s ideas, however, could not alter as swiftly after over 200 years of British control, because independence was still new. since of this colonial attitude, people did not speak out against the system since they were being misled. The poor were uninformed of their rights, while the wealthy and capitalists put pressure on the government. Capitalists did not oppose the government since their interests were satisfied.
Since then, several changes have occurred, and the public has become more aware of their rights. However, the situation is not much better today than it was previously.
Excessive concentration of power in one person undermines democratic checks and balances. Legislative bodies may be reduced to rubber stamps for approval or disapproval, loyalists may be nominated to the judiciary, and the media may be compelled to echo rather than examine the leader’s narrative. As a result, the debate, dissent, and diversity of thought required for democracy to work properly are decreased. Without these measures, the system tends toward authoritarianism, which has major ramifications for human rights, freedom of expression, and governanc
Leaders that encourage personality worship frequently do so by projecting an image of nationalism, populism, or “man of the people.” Through speeches, television appearances, and social media, they promote themselves as saviors capable of rescuing the country from crisis. However, this image is typically accompanied by hostility toward institutions, experts, and democratic processes that may limit their authority.
One of the fundamental risks of personality worship is a lack of accountability. A venerated leader begins to act without fear of repercussions, confident that any misbehavior will be forgiven or excused by their followers. This lack of accountability promotes corruption, ineptitude, and misuse of power.
Personality worship can polarize citizens, dividing them into ardent fans and opponents. This polarization can lead to political violence because supporters are frequently encouraged to suppress opponents, whether overtly or covertly. Those who disagree with or criticize the leader are classified as state foes or traitors.
Today’s politicians do not rise to prominence by articulating a big vision or leading huge movements. Instead, they gain power by using narrow populist slogans and peddling false dreams. They create their foundation and establish legitimacy without being influenced by principles, ideals, or humanity. This class of politicians even entraps the educated masses in their lies, cruelty, and political frenzy, using people’s ability to reason.
When democratic institutions like the court, media, and legislature deteriorate, there is no effective check on the leader’s power. The leader gains more control, frequently manipulating laws, altering constitutions, and even utilizing state resources to maintain power. In the absence of accountability, policies are developed not for the good of the country, but to reinforce the leader’s grip on authority.
In such a setting, alternative voices are muffled, civil freedoms are restricted, and the free press is suppressed. This fosters a climate of fear and repression, making it more difficult for citizens to question governance. As the leader’s power grows unrestrained, democratic norms deteriorate, and the country deviates from its basic goals.
In daily life, the public is frequently marginalized. Promises made during campaigns fade into distant echoes, and political officials grow increasingly inaccessible. In such circumstances, even after being declared sovereign, people’s voices are drowned out by political maneuvering. Citizens in this atmosphere are reduced to pawns in a power game. When the average person believes that their participation has no substantial impact, the legitimacy of the entire democratic system is called into doubt.
Leaders in a healthy democracy are accountable to the people, and power is distributed across many branches to prevent any one individual from amassing too much influence. However, when personality cults take over, this equilibrium is broken. Leaders become identified with the nation, blurring the distinction between state and individual. This enables them to circumvent established democratic norms, often with the silent approval of their followers, who regard criticism of the leader as an attack on the state or the public.
The idea that “the people are the true rulers” is a fundamental principle of democratic governance. Democracy, at its foundation, is intended to empower citizens, guarantee their views are heard, preserve their rights, and meet their needs. This concept is based on the belief that each human has intrinsic value and deserves dignity, respect, and opportunity. However, the transition from principle to practice frequently yields a sharp contradiction.
In a democratic society, the people have ultimate authority, and it is their job to hold their leaders accountable. When citizens freely engage in personality worship, they abdicate their responsibility and risk losing their political autonomy. The danger of personality worship stems from its potential to manipulate public emotions, encouraging blind loyalty to individuals rather than fidelity to democratic principles.
When citizens fail to question or oppose their leaders, they allow abuse of power to continue unchecked. It becomes simpler for leaders to undermine democratic procedures, sending the country down a dangerous path. Healthy skepticism and critical thinking are vital tools for a democracy to flourish.
Personality worship is fundamentally opposed to the principles of political democracy. Democratic societies must favor institutions above people to keep power decentralized and accountable. Personality worship can have disastrous repercussions when it undermines structures established to protect liberty and responsibility. History has demonstrated that when democratic institutions fail and one leader is given unrestrained power, the consequences can be terrible.
Currently, democracy is being abused and turned into mob rule. At the time of independence, our nation-builders and constitution-makers envisioned a deliberative democracy in which decisions were made by consensus, every issue was positively discussed, efforts were made to convert discussions into consensus, and that consensus was faithfully implemented. Mahatma Gandhi also stated that whenever you make a decision, consider the influence it will have on the last person.
Leaders and public alike must guard against the hazardous seduction of personality worship. Leaders must follow democratic principles, and citizens must remain watchful, questioning and holding those in authority accountable. Only by doing so can democracy thrive, guaranteeing that power is retained in the hands of the people rather than any single individual.
Niraj Krishna
