How does parliament act as a platform for the different classes on the earth?
Answers
I will divide my answer in two parts -
IN THEORY- Our constitution provides for universal adult franchise. Each and every person who is above the age of 18 years can register himself with the election commission and he cannot be denied registration on the basis of caste, sex, religion etc.( provided that he is the citizen of India and certain other conditions give under the constitution.) So technically no person can be denied the right to vote in India.
Now coming to election candidates. There also no discrimination is allowed on the basis of class or case. Only conditions are age citizenship and candidates criminal record. So if you are an Indian citizen, above 25 and have clean criminal record then you can fight for Lok sabha elections, even independently. Similar age criterias are proposed for various other elections starting from gram panchayat to vidhan sabha. These provisions make sure that each and every person has equal chance of going to parliament. These provisions ensure a level playing field for every citizen of the country so that even a common citizen can stand up for elections and is not demotivated because of his class and caste. IN parliament 2 seats are reserved for Anglo Indians who will be nominated by the President. In Rajya Sabha (Council of States) 12 members of various fields are nominated by the President.
Since we follow indirect democracy, we elect our representatives through votes and give them an indirect authority to represent the people whom have elected him. Power of voting also ensures that every class has equal chances to send a representative of their choice in the parliament.
An MP is not representing himself in the parliament but he is representing the whole constituency including those who have not voted for him.
2. IN PRACTICE - In realty, the picture is quite grim. Despite a right to vote most of the voters are swayed by caste and religion. Party politics dominates the Indian politics. Candidates are selected on the basis of their winnability and their ability to garner votes. Party decides the candidature and it is largely based upon the demography of a given constituency. Parliament has no seats reserved for lower classes. If you want to stand up or election you have to take support of a political party. Rampant use of money and muscle also discourages genuine citizens or lower class citizens to stand up for elections since they lack resources both in terms of money and muscle. In Rajya Sabha 12 members to be chosen by President are actually chosen by the ruling party because the President act on the aid and advise of Prime minister and council of ministers. Because of these situations the parliament has become a ground of elites and loyalists. Parliament only represents those classes who win not those who deserve to win.