Describe the efforts of reform political parties.
Answers
Answer:
The following steps should be taken to reform the political parties:
(i) Anti-Defection Law Under the Anti-Defection Law, MLAs and MPs cannot change party after the election. This was done as many elected candidates were indulging in defection in order to become ministers or for cash rewards. Now, according to this law, if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat in Legislature. At the same time, this law has made any dissent even more difficult. MPs and MLAs have to accept whatever the party leaders decide.
(ii) Affidavit Now, it is mandatory for every candidate, who contests elections to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against him.
(iii) The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.
(iv) It should be made mandatory for the parties to give one-third of their party tickets to women candidates, thus women can take part in the decision-making bodies of the party.
Answer:
The following are the measures taken to reform political parties :
i) Anti - Defection Law : Earlier MLAs or MPs used to change their party allegiance from which they have been elected for cash rewards or other prices. But with the introduction of Anti-Defection Law in 1991 , the MP or MLA has to give up his/her seat in the government body if he /she wants to change his/her party. Also this law made any dissent more severe. The MP or MLA has to accept the decision taken by the party.
ii) Transparency : political parties now compulsorily have to make organisational meeting , internal elections for its leadership. This checks accumulation of power in one hand and dynastic succession. Also political parties must take their decisions following all the norms and procedures openly.
iii) Affidavit : all the mebers contesting elections must have to file an affidavit regarding their income, criminal cases,etc. This regulates the increase in the role of money and muscle power in the politics.
iv) Seats to Women : It had been made compulsory for the parties to give their one - third of elected positions to women. They must also give one-third member ship to women candidates. This helps in increasing the proportion of women in decision making. Also parties must give memberships to lower caste such as OBCs, SCs and STs to increase their dignity.
v) Fundings : All the parties must file their income tax returns. Also they must give the details of expenses made by party the previous year. The Election Commission must give funds to the parties during the time of elections to meet their election expenses in the form of vehicles, petrol,papar,etc. on the basis of seats won by party in the previous elections.
The following are the measures which can be taken by people to reform political parties :
i) People can file petitions,raise issues and movements against parties against their illegal activities.
ii) People can pressurise the parties to make them legitimate, responsive and accountable.
iii) People can help in reduction of communalism and casteism in politics to reduce vote banks by favouring nationalism instead of self benefits.