> it is a democracy I would beg to differ. During the 65 years of its independence, Federal government in India has remained under the control of one single f

> it is a democracy I would beg to differ. During the 65 years of its independence, Federal government in India has remained under the control of one single family (the Gandhi family). Being the "biggest democracy" is just a farce. Similarly, most of the state governments are under the control of a select few families. > Indian citizens vote in elections and enjoy the freedom of movement Not really. They are not allowed to protest. The Indian police has the right to use force against peaceful protestors, which it often uses. Google "lathicharge" and you will know what I am talking about. There is a huge lack of education, and in my opinion, giving someone the right to vote without the right to education doesn't mean anything. You can easily buy votes for $10.00 each. There are reports that trillions of dollars equivalent of Indian money is stashed in offshore banks by Indian politicians. Hardly a week goes by before you hear about a multi-billion dollar scam. Some economists have argued that if all that money is brought back and distributed, every one would get around a 1000 USD, which is a lot in a country where 66% make less than 2 USD a day. Unlike North Korea, India does have the money to feed its poor. But it never gets to the poor. Update: I failed to mention, that the government can "acquire" your land for pennies, anytime they want. This is what's happening in central India, where the govt. is taking away the land of people and giving it away to multinationals for mining. And there are no human rights, whatsoever in India. The police detains and tortures people all the time. Actually that is the only investigation technique they have: detain a few suspects and beat them until one confesses, regardless whether he/she actually committed the crime.