The we-must-have-our-persons-in-key-offices mindset is now operating at the state and district levels, too. It has become routine for chief ministers and ministers to want their men in the babudom. Hence, every time a new government takes over, the “transfers-and-postings industry” gets a big boost. Even the judiciary is not immune to pressures and allurements. The clout of moneybags in the electoral process at every level, from the highest to the lowest, is too glaring to be missed by anybody. All this is severely eroding the spirit of democracy and weakening the quality of governance in India.

This is not to suggest that the situation in India is as bad as in Bangladesh or Pakistan. The democratic culture in our country is indeed very strong. Our democratic institutions still function with a fair degree of independence. Our judiciary is still quite assertive. Our media, as demonstrated by its courageous role during the run-up to the presidential election, values its freedom. Above all, our armed forces know what is expected - and what is not expected - of them.

All this is no doubt a source of comfort. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. When the moral edifice of democracy is sought to be dismantled, brick by brick, by those for whom perpetuation of power in the hands of The Dynasty is more important than anything else, it is foolish to ignore the danger signals ahead.