Consider the following statements: The anti-defection law is intended ...
It is intended to strengthen the fabric of Indian parliamentary democracy by curbing unprincipled and unethical political defections. Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, described it as the ‘first step towards cleaning-up public life’.
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Consider the following statements: The anti-defection law is intended ...
Statement 1: The anti-defection law is intended to strengthen the fabric of Indian Parliamentary democracy.
The anti-defection law, also known as the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, was enacted with the aim of curbing political defections and ensuring stability in the Indian political system. The primary objective of this law is to strengthen the fabric of Indian Parliamentary democracy by preventing elected representatives from switching parties for personal gains or political opportunism.
The anti-defection law prohibits elected members of Parliament and state legislatures from voluntarily giving up their membership of a political party or voting against the party's official line. It also disqualifies them from holding office if they violate these provisions. By doing so, the law seeks to promote party discipline, discourage unethical political practices, and maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
This law is crucial for maintaining the stability of governments and safeguarding the trust of the electorate. It ensures that the party chosen by the people during elections remains in power and can effectively implement its policies and programs. By preventing frequent defections and floor-crossing, the anti-defection law helps in avoiding political instability, horse-trading, and manipulation of power.
Statement 2: The anti-defection law was enacted during the Prime Ministership of P.V. Narasimha Rao.
This statement is incorrect. The anti-defection law was not enacted during the Prime Ministership of P.V. Narasimha Rao. It was actually enacted during the Prime Ministership of Rajiv Gandhi in 1985. The law came into effect on March 1, 1985, with the introduction of the Fifty-Second Amendment to the Indian Constitution.
P.V. Narasimha Rao served as the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996, which was after the enactment of the anti-defection law. Although Rao's tenure witnessed significant political developments and reforms, including economic liberalization, the anti-defection law was not one of them. It was introduced and implemented prior to his prime ministership.
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as the anti-defection law is indeed intended to strengthen the fabric of Indian Parliamentary democracy. However, statement 2 is incorrect as the anti-defection law was enacted during the Prime Ministership of Rajiv Gandhi, not P.V. Narasimha Rao.