Karnataka Assembly adjourned sine-die, after special debate on electoral reforms
Bengaluru, Mar 30: Need for stronger anti-defection law, making voting compulsory, functioning of the Election Commission and ending nexus between political parties and corporate bodies, were among the issues that came up for discussion during a special debate on electoral reforms in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, before it was adjourned sine die.
Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah expressed concerns over the deteriorating electoral system in the country since 1970s; while Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed hope citing the innate strength among the people of the country to protect democratic system and values, despite diversity.
Participating in the debate, Bommai said, "India's democratic system has stood the test of time and we have been able to protect it. There is a smooth transfer of power in our country after every election, when compared to several developed countries, including the US."
Stating that there is no need for getting disheartened about the present electoral system, compared to the past, he said he has confidence in youngsters and changes in technology that is trying to bring in some kind of transparency.
"Certain percentage of voters may get infused, but normally every voter wants his vote to win...a voter observes everything, whether he takes allurements or not, most of the voters do (vote) according to what is in his or her mind," he said, adding that political parties need to understand this, as making people corrupt is the greatest sin.
Siddaramaiah during his intervention expressed concern about growing nexus between political parties and corporate bodies and said they have now reached a position of controlling governments, whichever party they may be from. "Also electoral bonds should be completely stopped," he said.
Advocating for strong laws to protect the electoral system, he felt that there should be a collegium system to make appointments to the Election Commission.
Noting that other bodies of the constitution and society on the whole are also responsible for the deterioration of the electoral system, he stressed on the need for liberating it from the mafia, money and caste.
However, former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said, despite allurements of money, liquor, and caste factor, voter when he goes to the polling booth votes according to his conscience, and that is what is safeguarding democracy and the system so far.
Senior Congress Leader and former Speaker Ramesh Kumar stressed the need for strengthening the tenth schedule of the Constitution that deals with anti-defection and making voting mandatory.
Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, calling on the youth to become caretakers of the democracy and the parliamentary system, said, "My vote is not for sale" should become a mass movement.
He said he will bring to the notice of constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission, about the Karnataka assembly 's debate on electoral reforms and suggestions made.
JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said the Election Commission should clarify doubts regarding the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines, and called for an open discussion in this regard.
He also said that there should be discussion and accountability must be fixed regarding missing EVMs, which was pointed out by senior Congress MLA H K Patil.
During the debate on electoral reforms on Tuesday, citing RTI reports, Patil had said almost 19 lakh EVMs were missing and nobody knows where they have gone.
Reacting to Patil's statement, Speaker Kageri had said he would use his office to seek an explanation from the Election Commission on where 19 lakh EVMs are.
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MVA to keep all its newly-elected MLAs under one roof after poll results: Sanjay Raut
Mumbai (PTI): The Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents have decided to house all its newly-elected MLAs together in Mumbai after the Maharashtra election results, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Friday, a move aimed at preventing poaching ahead of government formation.
Talking to reporters here, Raut said MVA leaders, including himself, his party colleague Anil Desai, NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil and Congress leaders Satej Patil and Balasaheb Thorat met on Thursday and carried out an assessment of every seat.
"We have decided to bring all newly-elected MLAs to Mumbai. New MLAs have no provision to stay in Mumbai. So we have decided to make their residential arrangements together," he said.
The counting of votes for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls will take place on Saturday.
Raut expressed confidence that the MVA would win 160 seats in the elections.
Some independents, who have strong chances of victory, have expressed their desire to support the opposition bloc, the Rajya Sabha member said.
"There is no formula for the CM's post. Everyone will choose the leader of the government," Raut said.
Senior Congress leaders have to come to Mumbai with a mandate on the CM's post as NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray are in Mumbai.
He also asserted that no power can stop the MVA from forming the next government in Maharashtra and that the decision on the top post will be taken only in Maharashtra.
Fissures have emerged within the opposition MVA as well as the ruling Mahayuti on who will head the next government with constituents in both camps laying claim over the chief minister's post. While state Congress chief Nana Patole asserted that a MVA government will be formed in Maharashtra under the leadership of his party, Raut on Thursday insisted the CM face will be decided by all alliance partners jointly.
Raut expressed fear that the BJP will try to obstruct the MVA through the governor's office in forming the government despite the opposition having the majority.
"We will take a decision without any delay, or else BJP will try to snatch power ruthlessly," hesaid.
The term of the Maharashtra legislative assembly ends on November 26. The opposition fears that President's rule could be imposed in the state if a new government is not formed till then.
