What is one of the steps suggested in the text to address the challeng...
One of the steps suggested in the text to address the challenges of the Anti-Defection Law is that it should be valid only for votes that determine the stability of the government, such as the passage of the annual budget or no-confidence motions.
View all questions of this test
What is one of the steps suggested in the text to address the challeng...
Understanding the Anti-Defection Law
The Anti-Defection Law was enacted in India to curb political defections and maintain the stability of governments. However, it has faced criticism for its rigid application, which can stifle democratic processes within political parties. One suggested reform is that the law should only apply to votes that determine the stability of the government.
Rationale Behind Option A
- Focus on Critical Votes: By restricting the law to votes that directly affect government stability, legislators can express dissent or change party allegiance on non-critical issues without fear of disqualification. This can foster a more dynamic political environment.
- Encouraging Accountability: If the law is applied only during crucial votes, it encourages politicians to be accountable to their constituents rather than solely to party leadership. This could lead to more representative governance.
- Mitigating Rigid Party Structures: Allowing flexibility in party affiliations can break the rigid structures that exist within political parties. This reform could enable party members to voice their opinions without the threat of being penalized, thus promoting a healthier dialogue within the party.
- Preserving Democratic Values: The core of democracy lies in the ability to choose and change one's political affiliation. By limiting the scope of the Anti-Defection Law, it preserves the democratic principle that individuals should not be bound by party lines when their beliefs or the interests of their constituents shift.
In conclusion, making the Anti-Defection Law applicable only to votes that ensure the stability of the government could effectively address some of the law's challenges. It would balance party loyalty with the need for individual accountability and democratic expression.