Freedom of choice without options

India is the largest democracy in the world. We elect our representatives through voting as democracy gives us freedom to choose. But freedom of choice is meaningful only when we have options to choose from. In theory Indian democracy seems perfect but its actual functioning has left much to be desired for.

Various candidates mostly belonging to different political parties contest elections and get elected. As representatives of their area they are voices of people. But the truth is they tow their party line. In India political parties are undemocratic and opaque where dynastic politics and despotism is rampant. There is even a constitutional law popularly known as anti-defection law (inserted through 52^nd amendment in 1985) that kills the democratic spirit.

The provision of this law states: “A member would incur a disqualification under paragraph 2 (1) (a) when he “voluntarily gives up his membership of a party” and under 2 (1) (b) when he/she votes (or abstains from voting) contrary to the directive issued by the party.”

As the name suggests the law is supposed to deter defections by elected representatives (MPs and MLAs) who had earlier given their support to form the government. This is to maintain stability in the government. But the law has put the power in hands of party hierarchy. Provision 2(1)(b) stated above is applicable not only to confidence vote but also to any other decision/law/debate matter.

Do we vote for individuals as our representatives or a political party? Even if we do vote for a political party, is the political party system in India democratic? NO! The political party system in completely opaque, power is concentrated in the hands of few elites who run the show. This breeds dynastic politics and despotism leaving Indian democracy without substance.

Major electoral reforms have long been pending now. There has been talk of bringing right to recall. Right to recall gives the power in the hands of people whereby they can remove their elected representative before the term has ended. This would be an extreme measure and cost of re-elections would be huge. And even if we bring this reform, whom would we re-elect? Does, undemocratic anti-defection law leave us any choice? Yes we do have freedom of choice. Alas, no options to choose from.