Fear of government turns democracy into authoritarianism, says Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said democracy turns into authoritarianism when people fear the government and stressed the need to protect democratic values by ensuring equal dignity and opportunity for all.

Addressing an event here to mark World Democracy Day, Shivakumar said democracy was not confined to elections and voting but encompassed people's rights, dignity and participation in governance.

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"If people are afraid of the government, it becomes authoritarianism. When the government respects its people, it becomes democracy," he said.

Shivakumar said India had a long democratic tradition, recalling the 12th-century Anubhava Mantapa and its emphasis on equality and participation. He said he had visited the historic institution at Basavakalyan within three days of becoming chief minister.

"Democracy is not just the right to vote; it is the right to live with dignity," he said.