‘Political and Electoral Reforms Essential for India’s Democracy to Flourish’

In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, VV Lakshmi Narayana, retired Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra, former Joint Director of the CBI, and founder of the Jai Bharat National Party, shares his vision for societal transformation. He emphasises education and legal reforms as vital to addressing current societal challenges: “Parental education, integrating law and constitution as subjects in the curriculum from an early age, and fostering spirituality beyond religious boundaries are key strategies.”

Reflecting on India's judicial backlog, he advocates for expedited justice. “There are currently five crore cases pending across all courts. It is crucial to establish special courts and ensure timely punishment for the accused.”

With a career spanning high-profile investigations and anti-terrorism operations, he stresses the importance of law enforcement-community collaboration: “A policeman is a citizen in uniform, and a citizen is a policeman without a uniform.” His insights offer a roadmap to strengthening law enforcement and democracy in India

You are a mechanical engineer by education. What inspired you to pursue a career in civil services?

My initial goal was to become a professor, driven by my passion for teaching and inspired by my mother. After completing my BTech and MTech, I decided to pursue a PhD to further prepare for a career in academia. It was during my time in the hostel that I first learnt about civil services through friends. Four of us decided to prepare for the civil service examinations together, and remarkably, we all succeeded without any formal coaching or guidance. For me, entering the civil services was entirely unplanned. Based on my rank and preferences, I was selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS), marking the beginning of my journey in law enforcement.

You have served in the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad. Can you share a significant case or operation that profoundly impacted you and your team?

I was assigned to the Maharashtra cadre and began my service in the police force as an ASP after completing my training in 1990. I served in various capacities until 2006, when I was promoted as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), established in 2005. I handled a particularly significant case during my tenure in the intelligence and information unit. We received information about a large consignment of ammunition being smuggled into Maharashtra via the Arabian Sea. Two vehicles attempted to flee during a routine check, leading to a high-speed chase. Ultimately, we apprehended 22 suspects and seized 16 AK-47 rifles, 3,200 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 47 kilograms of RDX, and 50 hand grenades.

A group based in Aurangabad had devised a plan to orchestrate widespread destruction targeting the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, and Pravin Togadia, the then Chief of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, to avenge the Godhra incident. Our timely intervention in this operation averted what could have been a catastrophic outcome.

As a Joint Director of CBI, you handled around 27 high-profile cases. How did you maintain impartiality and ensure thorough investigations with intense public and media scrutiny?

I served with the CBI for seven years, during which I was involved in 27 high-profile cases referred by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh and the Supreme Court. High-profile cases inevitably attract intense media and public scrutiny. It is crucial to ensure impartiality, protect the innocent, understand the circumstances under which the crime was committed, and carefully plan the investigation.

Within the CBI, we are supported by law officers who assist in the investigative process, and we follow a hierarchical system that ensures every official’s opinion is considered. Handling cases involving politically connected individuals often invites criticism and accusations of bias toward the ruling party. However, I have always prioritised my duty above all, striving for justice to prevail. My professionalism is guided by my unwavering belief in the law, the investigative process, and accountability to the court.

What are the most pressing challenges that law enforcement agencies face today, and how can they be addressed?

One of the police department's biggest challenges is being understaffed and stretched by non-crime related tasks. The diversification of responsibilities places constant stress on police officers, often stretching them to their limits. Historically, governments have viewed the police department as an expenditure rather than recognising its crucial role in maintaining societal order. To effectively drive change and positively impact society, the police force requires not only adequate resources but also enhanced authority.

Moreover, for the average citizen, the police represent the face of the government. The link between development and policing is undeniable—justice and peace are fundamental to a region’s prosperity. It is imperative that governments refrain from interfering in the operations of the police and law enforcement agencies, allowing them to function independently and effectively.

What advice would you give young aspiring officers who wish to make a difference in law enforcement?

Aspiring law enforcement officers should remain grounded, engage with the community, and empathise with the public who seek assistance from police and enforcement agencies. They should avoid confining their duties within rigid boundaries, instead embodying both firmness and understanding. It is vital for new officers to grasp the societal context and public psyche and to refrain from developing animosity towards citizens asserting their fundamental rights or reacting to crimes. Emphasis should be placed on patience, preparedness, perspective, and protective skills. I urge all young civil service recruits to prioritise crime prevention.

You joined the Jana Sena and then resigned to form your own Jai Bharat Party. Can you share your political journey?

After opting for voluntary retirement, I toured Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, driven by a desire to serve the people. Believing that politics is the most effective way to reach and serve a larger part of society, I initially joined the Jana Sena Party. Later, I resigned and founded the Jai Bharat National Party, aiming to introduce key governance reforms, including the right to recall underperforming elected representatives. My political journey is ongoing, and I remain dedicated to creating a better society.

You’ve organised and participated in nearly 60 donation drives. What’s your inspiration?

As a student in Chennai, I participated in a live blood donation drive, where I was deeply moved by the gratitude of parents whose infant had just undergone heart surgery. Dr Cherian, a renowned cardiologist at the time, explained the immense benefits of blood donation and inspired me. Since then, I’ve made it a personal commitment, donating blood three times a year, reaching a total of 61 donations to date. I encourage all young people to donate one unit of blood on their birthday each year to help children suffering from thalassaemia.

What are the major challenges that democracies face worldwide?

The Economist ranks 92 democracies worldwide based on approximately 60 parameters, placing India at around 41st position. Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as "of the people, by the people, for the people." However, in contemporary discourse, ‘of’ seems replaced by ‘off,’ ‘for’ by ‘far,’ and ‘by’ by ‘buy.’ Democracy is intended to be a reflection of the people's power, yet the citizens are being overlooked, and fundamental rights are not fully exercised. Media organisations play a vital role in defending democracy by scrutinising the performance of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, thereby educating the public. Unfortunately, in flawed democracies like ours, media bias has become prevalent, with some outlets showing partiality towards specific political parties.

How can we, as the world’s largest democracy, strengthen our institution to serve citizens better and uphold democratic values?

Governments must ensure meaningful citizen participation in decision-making processes. True democratic spirit can only be achieved if the preamble of our constitution is implemented in both its letter and its spirit. Political and electoral reforms are essential for democracy not only to endure but to flourish. On World Democracy Day, let us reaffirm our collective responsibilities as voters, representatives, legislators, executives, judges, and media professionals. Each of us has a role in refining our democracy. Voters should exercise their rights thoughtfully and systematically, avoiding short-term incentives and combating corruption to foster national development.