Gandhiji's Observations on Democratic Government

Gandhiji's Observations on Democratic Government

"Hind Swaraj" was written by Gandhiji in 1909 - more than 100 years ago.  It is in question - answer format.  His observations and ideas are still relevant:

Gandhiji described the Parliamentary democracy in England as follows:

“That which you consider to be the Mother of Parliaments is like a sterile woman and a prostitute. Both these are harsh terms but exactly fit the case. That Parliament has not yet, of its own accord done a single good thing. Hence I have compared it to a sterile woman. The natural condition of that Parliament is such that, without outside pressure, it can do nothing. It is like a prostitute because it as under the control of ministers who change from time to time...

...it is generally acknowledged that the members are hypocritical and selfish. Each thinks of his own little interest. It is fear that is the guiding motive...

When the greatest questions are debated  its members have been seen to stretch themselves and to doze...

Carlyle has called it the "talking shop of the world"...

Members vote for their party without a thought...

“The Prime Minister is more concerned about his power than about

the welfare of Parliament.  His energy is concentrated upon securing

the success of his party. His care is not always that Parliament shall

do right...

they cannot be considered really patriotic...

 I do not hesitate to say that they have neither real honesty nor a living

Conscience...

To the English voters their newspaper is their Bible.  They take their cue from their newspapers which are often dishonest...

If India copies England, it is my firm conviction that she will be ruined...

the condition is due to modern civilization. It is a civilization only in name. Under it the nations of Europe are becoming degraded and ruined day by day.”

M. K. Gandhi, Hind Swaraj, 1909