Section Article

Silence as Political Resistance: A Theoretical Study of Non-Participation in Democratic Politics
Author(s): Dr Kunal Singh

Abstract
Democratic politics is generally associated with active participation public deliberation voting protest and engagement in political institutions. However the phenomenon of political silence and non-participation has emerged as an important area of theoretical inquiry in contemporary political studies. Silence is often interpreted as political apathy disengagement or indifference yet many scholars argue that it can function as a conscious form of resistance against dominant political structures. This study explores silence as a political act and examines how non-participation may represent dissent opposition and critique within democratic systems. Drawing upon political theory critical theory and democratic studies the paper investigates the symbolic and strategic dimensions of silence. It argues that silence should not always be viewed as an absence of politics but rather as an alternative mode of political expression. The study contributes to broader debates on democracy citizenship power and resistance by highlighting the significance of political silence in shaping democratic discourse and challenging hegemonic political practices.