Congress MP Manish Tewari Proposes Bill to Empower Parliamentarians Against Whip Control
A Bold Move in Legislative Independence
New Delhi: In a significant legislative initiative, Congress MP Manish Tewari has put forth a private member's bill in the Lok Sabha aimed at granting parliamentarians the freedom to vote independently on various bills and motions, excluding those that could jeopardize the government's stability. This move is intended to liberate lawmakers from the constraints of party whips and enhance the quality of legislation.
Tewari, who has previously introduced this bill in 2010 and 2021, emphasizes the need to prioritize the voice of the electorate over party directives. He argues that the bill seeks to clarify who holds the true power in a democracy—the voters who endure long hours to elect their representatives or the political parties that impose strict voting guidelines.
The proposed legislation aims to amend the Anti-Defection Law, allowing MPs to vote freely on all matters except confidence motions, no-confidence motions, adjournment motions, money bills, and financial issues that could threaten the government's stability.
Tewari believes this bill will restore the principles of conscience, constituency representation, and common sense within the legislative framework, ensuring that elected officials act as true representatives of their constituents rather than mere instruments of party directives.
According to the bill's objectives, a member would only lose their seat if they vote against party directives on specific motions, and the Chairman or Speaker must announce any such directives promptly. Members will also have the right to appeal against their membership cessation within a specified timeframe.
Tewari highlights that the bill aims to achieve two key goals: maintaining government stability while allowing legislators to exercise their legislative judgment. He notes that the current parliamentary practices often lead to a lack of quorum and a disconnect between MPs and their lawmaking responsibilities.
He criticizes the current system where laws are often drafted by bureaucrats and presented to Parliament with minimal discussion, resulting in a predictable voting pattern driven by party whips. Tewari asserts that this undermines the essence of good lawmaking, where MPs should engage in thorough research and contribute meaningfully to legislative processes.
Reflecting on the historical context, Tewari points out that while whips were once non-coercive, the introduction of the Anti-Defection Law in 1985 has led to a culture of enforced loyalty that stifles independent thought among legislators. He argues that the current state of affairs has transformed defections from a minor issue into a widespread problem, with entire parties being bought and sold.
Tewari contends that the whip-driven environment created by the Anti-Defection Law is unique to India and calls for a reevaluation of its relevance in today's democratic landscape. He emphasizes that Parliament should not operate under a system that restricts its members' autonomy, especially when it comes to making critical decisions.
The bill's statement of objects and reasons suggests that after 25 years of the Anti-Defection Law, it requires updates to better align with contemporary democratic practices. While members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can propose bills, many private member bills are often withdrawn after government responses.