The second kind of danger, however, is more basic and this arises where violence is not spontaneous, nor is it a gesture of the angry mob. In this case, violence arises from deeply held convictions as to the methods of bringing about social and political changes. The danger is not sufficiently realised because at present the groups that believe in the total repudiation of parliamentary democracy are small and fragmented. Let us not, however, underestimate the potential of these groups for creating disturbances over large areas. A great responsibility lies on political parties, especially on those that are committed to the objectives of a democratic socialist order. Any political party that relies exclusively on the use of the armed strength of the State for putting down such groups will be making a serious mistake. As in the case of communal attitudes and values, a determined effort has to be made to change the ideas that people believe in. Violence in the pursuit of an ideology arises first in the minds of men, and it is in the minds of men that the superiority of the democratic system will have to be established.
I have tried to sketch the perspective that should encompass our thoughts and actions. I firmly believe that all those who believe in progressivism are fighting a battle to establish the supremacy of the values of democracy, socialism and secularism. The surest guarantee for sustenance of these values is to promote an alert and discriminating discussion of public policy which would not only mould public will but also make the public policy more responsive to the will of the people. It is needless to say that there is a close and real interaction between politics and economics. An effective economic leadership will be necessary to solve the complex and formidable problems that face us. The national tasks can be easier only if there is a purposive political consolidation and cohesiveness in the approach to these problems.
