Drastic poll reforms in Congress' interest

21 December, 2012

Election-results of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh have made victorious the two main parties, BJP and Congress sharing each of the two states with seat-sharing on expected lines. But results do not reflect actual wish of voters firstly because seat-share between BJP and Congress, as usual, does not at all match vote-share of the two parties also because of vote-split by rebels and others.

SECONDLY, BUT more importantly, results could and should have been more people-oriented by putting option available under rule 49(O) of ‘none-to-vote’ on Electronic Voting machines (EVMs).

This would have changed political scene at least in Himachal Pradesh where voters had no option but to choose between the two parties despite the fact that both parties are facing corruption charges.

However, Gujarat elections do ring warning-bells for ruling alliance at the Centre, headed by Congress towards next Lok Sabha elections. If same scenario continues, then corruption and scams will definitely prevent ruling UPA from returning to power.

It will be in interest of Congress if UPA government legislates drastic poll-reforms, also aimed at preventing chances of corruption amongst politicians. Next Lok Sabha elections should be conducted under such new poll-rules, including also incorporating rule 49(o) for non-to-vote on EVMs.

Congress will not be harmed because present system can never return it to power. However, gamble of such poll-reforms and other anti-graft rules eagerly awaited by people can make people re-think for voting Congress again to power but only for a relatively honest regime for future.