it is most imperfect to compare british 'divide and rule' to contemporary indian democratic system. our schools always taught us the cliched 'divide and rule' .. that was the time when people had no rights.. invidividuals were not empowered.. they were all under the mercy of kings.. and the divide and rule was out way before the 20th century by which time british already ruled india.. in a democracy with rights resting with people, if u divide, how the hell can u expect to rule on the whole??
