Manish Tewari Critiques Indian Democracy as 'Two-Horse System'

Congress MP Manish Tewari has sparked a fresh political debate by claiming that India is no longer a functioning democracy. In a post on social media platform X, the Lok Sabha member described the current governance model as a "two-horse system." He argued that representative institutions, which are meant to reflect the will of the people, have become largely redundant. Tewari's sharp critique centers on the belief that the balance of power has shifted away from the legislature toward a more dominant and unchecked executive branch.

The veteran politician highlighted two specific areas of concern within this "two-horse" framework: an arbitrary executive and a self-appointing judiciary. He pointed out that the judiciary continues to appoint its own members despite the established Memorandum of Procedure. This dual concentration of power, according to Tewari, bypasses the legislative oversight that is fundamental to a parliamentary democracy. These remarks reflect ongoing tensions in India regarding the Collegium system of judicial appointments and the perceived centralization of authority within the Prime Minister's Office and broader executive machinery.

Tewari's statement is expected to draw sharp reactions from the treasury benches and legal experts. While opposition parties often criticize executive overreach, Tewari’s direct attack on the judiciary's appointment process adds a layer of institutional friction. For the average Indian, these comments highlight a growing debate over the transparency and accountability of the nation's highest constitutional bodies. The immediate impact will likely be seen in upcoming parliamentary sessions where the role of representative institutions and the need for structural reforms are expected to be key talking points.