BENGALURU: Karnataka chief minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said democracy turn into authoritarianism if people lived in fear of the government, and stressed the need to uphold democratic values by ensuring equal dignity and opportunities for all.Addressing an event in Bengaluru to mark World Democracy Day, Shivakumar said democracy extended beyond elections and voting, encompassing people’s rights, dignity and participation in governance.“If people are afraid of the government, it becomes authoritarianism. When the government respects its people, it becomes democracy,” he said.Highlighting India’s democratic legacy, Shivakumar referred to the 12th-century Anubhava Mantapa and its principles of equality and public participation. He said he visited the historic institution at Basavakalyan within three days of assuming office as chief minister.“Democracy is not just the right to vote; it is the right to live with dignity,” he said.(With Agency Inputs)
