There has been a long history of candidates contesting elections in India from ‘Multiple Constituencies’. This has happened in the past and this time it is no different. It is up to you to either blame or praise the Indian constitution for providing such a provision for candidates to contest elections from multiple constituencies. In my view, it is huge dent to government treasury if a candidate is elected from multiple constituencies to either of *parliament* or *assembly* for a given period. More so ever, the electoral rule also states that an elected member can represent only one constituency and elections should be held again in the other constituency within six months.
With that background, I would like to share some of my thoughts. I feel this practice results in waste of resources and doesn’t serve any useful purpose. May be that it only provides more loop holes in the system for our cult leaders to exploit the electoral system there by making a mockery of the democracy.
I wish to see the following amendments in our constituency.
- Candidate shouldn’t be allowed to contest from multiple constituencies.
- Candidate should not be allowed to contest either of parliament or assembly for any given term which occur concurrently while holding a representation in either of those houses.
- If both of the above rules cannot be implemented due to any technical reasons, then a candidate winning from more than one constituency should pay for entire re-election expenses. Plus, *twice* the expense amount towards public and government inconvenience.
- In addition to the third point above, such person should not be allowed to contest any election in future.
This is my personal opinion again. If a candidate is so skeptical about winning chances, he/she can NEVER be a good leader. It only points to *the flaw* in their thoughts and their *inability* to convince voters. Every voter should think twice about such contestants and should punish them so badly that these kind of candidates should never chose to come in public again. Folks, wake up. It is our money being spent to test their fortune. Do we really need such leaders to represent us? I would be more than willing to get your views on this topic.
Note: This article is cross posted on Churumuri
Mohan says
@Saravanan Iyer
That is an awesome set of rules. I am sad that our constitution makers didn’t get a clue from these.
I could only wish we implement them now in the interest of the country and our own people.
Saravanan Iyer says
Good article..
Check out these set of Electoral rules in India as early as 750 AD
http://thoughtbundles.blogspot.com/2008/01/election-commission-750-ad.html
aash says
i agree with u on this mohan. it really doesnt make sense for a candidate to contest from more than 1 constituency. more importantly i think the people should know the candidates and their biodata before they vote, so that they can make their vote count. just casting ur vote to a particular party without knowing their candidate for the respective constituency is meaningless.this way each of us can ensure that we cast our vote to the best candidate and this will furthur lead to the partys ensuring that the candidates they are giving tickets to are good enough.( this is at the backdrop of a candidate recently claiming to have paid Rs.10 crores for the ticket of a particular party)
Mohan says
@tigerji
What is the assurance that army wont get corrupted. What if we run into a state in which our neighboring country has been affected all these years? There has to be an equal balance between the key three elements of democracy. ie., Judiciary, Legislature and Executive.
All we need is one strong leader to tighten the belts at the right place so that everything can be bought in control.
Mohan says
@Shrinidhi Hande
That is a different story altogether. What is the use when they sleep inside the house even though they are present?
I strongly advocate on bringing in that retirement factor for politicians. Other wise, they want to be in power even when they are not able to move/talk on their own.
tigerji says
Nice to read ur concern on contesting simultaneously in multiple constituencies. My question is ‘Do we really need a parliamentary form of Govt?’ Why not abolish all these assemblies and parliament, and ask the Army to take-over, give them some ultimatum, say 5 years to completely wipe-out the corruption and the corrupted people (not only politicians, but belonging to all sections of society, irrespective of colour, creed, race, religion etc etc)
and that will bring some solace for the right thinking people.
One may argue here that that kind of army rule is dangerous, and it may result in anarchy. But what is prevalent today is anyway different from an anarchy? at least, by then we can get convinced that after all in an army rule one cannot expect beyond that!
Shrinidhi Hande says
Also they should have mandatory 75% attendance during parliament sessions, should mandatorily fill time-sheets to tell us what they are doing and should have a retirement age at say 65 years…
Shrinidhi Hande says
I agree.
Mohan says
@Srinath
Thanks!
@Vishy
I am glad you found my blog interesting. I read your review about my blog. Good inputs, I will work on it to make it a better place for all!
Vishy says
Hi! I saw your blog a couple of days back. Intersting. I have started a blog review (not for commercial purposes!) and I started with your blog.
The most recent post on indian politics and banning multiple contesting of politicians is very good.
Srinath says
totally agree!