India, Nov. 28 -- Save for a brief period in 1975 Indian democracy has functioned in an exemplary fashion.

Democracy is a precious but fragile commodity that needs to be zealously guarded. It can crumble in a matter of moments if opportunistic political leaders violate the norms that govern the seamless functioning of a democracy.

Democracy is all about a peaceful transition of power effected by a fair and transparent election: grace on the part of the defeated, magnanimity on the part of the victor and a healthy respect for the electoral verdict are crucial. Inject an iota of doubt into this process and the whole system comes cascading down to become an ignominious failure.

The embarrassing tantrums of Donald Trump, the outgoing 45th ...