India’s Hard State Under Gandhian Cover: From Nehru to Modi

India’s political narrative has long intertwined the image of a non‑violent nation with a robust state apparatus. Since the country’s independence, successive prime ministers have emphasized law and order while invoking Gandhian principles to legitimize their governance. The policy of a strong central state, coupled with a rhetoric of moral leadership, has been a recurring theme in speeches and legislation. Critics argue that this duality masks authoritarian tendencies behind a veneer of social justice. Supporters claim it ensures stability and development in a diverse democracy.