The political landscape in India has shifted with the recent removal of a prominent female politician from her party's leadership. While internal party dynamics may seem parochial, the implications for democratic health are far-reaching. As a climate and science correspondent, I see parallels between this event and the slow, cumulative changes in our biosphere: incremental shifts that pass critical thresholds with irreversible consequences.
Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal and a key opposition figure, was stripped of her party position following a contentious internal power struggle. This is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern. India's democratic institutions are experiencing 'creeping authoritarianism', a term used by political scientists to describe the gradual erosion of checks and balances. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has faced criticism for suppressing dissent, pressuring the judiciary, and muzzling the media. The UK, a long-standing partner, must watch these developments with 'calm urgency', understanding that democratic backsliding in the world's largest democracy has global consequences.
Consider the 'tragedy of the commons' analogy. Just as shared resources like the atmosphere degrade when individuals act in self-interest, democratic norms degrade when power centralises without accountability. India's internal stability is vital for regional security, climate cooperation, and the global rules-based order. The UK's foreign policy should prioritise diplomatic engagement, supporting civil society and independent media in India.
The energy transition, another of my obsessions, requires stable democracies to negotiate binding agreements. An autocratic India would be a less reliable partner in mitigating biosphere collapse. We must not normalise these political tremors. They are early warnings of systemic failure. The UK must act now, not later, to shore up democratic resilience abroad. After all, democracy and climate action are deeply intertwined: both require transparent institutions and public participation to sustain long-term commitments.
