Diksha Karhade
News Editor
In the Rajya Sabha, Raghav Chadha has put forward a demand that every voter in the country needs. His argument is simple and accurate, the people can elect a leader, if he does not perform, then the voters should also have the right to remove him.
Today, voters have the “right to elect” their representatives, but if our representative goes back on his promises or indulges in corruption, then we helplessly wait for the next election.
Just think, if we can remove the President, Vice President and judges from office, then why should an MP or MLA have the “freedom” to behave arbitrarily for five years?..
There is no such profession in the world where you can perform badly for five years and no one touches you.
More than 24 strong democracies like the United States and Switzerland already have a “Right to Recall” law. If citizens there can hold their representatives accountable, why are Indian voters deprived of this right?
Of course, Raghav Chadha also suggests four strong safeguards to prevent abuse of this right:
Locking period…
It should not be imposed for the first 18 months after the election, so that the leader gets a full opportunity to prove his performance.
Public support…
At least 35% to 40% of the voters should demand it through a “verified petition”.
Strong basis…
It should not be based solely on political opposition but on corruption or gross negligence in work.
Final verdict…
A leader should be removed only if more than 50% of the public supports his or her removal in a re-polling. This law will create “fear of the people” among leaders.
Parties will be forced to give tickets to “workers” and not to tainted and inactive candidates.
The true meaning of democracy is not just pressing a button for one day, but maintaining the power of that vote for five years. If voters have the right to elect a leader, they should also have the right to remove him from office.
“Do you also think that after the implementation of the ‘right to recall’, leaders will start taking the people seriously..
