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AAP's Raghav Chadha Demands 'Right to Recall' for MPs, MLAs in India

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has strongly advocated for introducing a "Right to Recall" mechanism in India, allowing voters to remove underperforming MPs and MLAs. He argued the current five-year term lacks accountability and that voters deserve a tool to correct electoral mistakes. Chadha cited international examples, such as the recall of California's Governor in 2003, and existing local-level practices in Indian states. He proposed safeguards including an 18-month minimum performance period and a high voter approval threshold to ensure the system is not misused.

Key Points: AAP MP Raghav Chadha Proposes Right to Recall for Indian Politicians

  • Advocates for voter power to remove non-performing leaders
  • Cites constitutional precedents like impeachment
  • References international examples like California
  • Proposes safeguards to prevent misuse
2 min read

AAP MP in Rajya Sabha pushes for 'Right to Recall' of elected public representatives

AAP MP Raghav Chadha pushes for a Right to Recall law in Rajya Sabha, arguing it would ensure accountability and empower voters to remove non-performing MPs and MLAs.

"Before the election, the leader is after the public, and after the election, the public is after the leader. - Raghav Chadha"

New Delhi, Feb 11

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha has strongly advocated for the introduction of a "Right to Recall" mechanism in India, allowing voters to remove non-performing elected representatives such as MPs and MLAs before the end of their term.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, Chadha spoke on the issue, emphasising that the current system lacks accountability and performance evaluation for elected leaders.

Chadha highlighted a key flaw in India's electoral democracy: "Before the election, the leader is after the public, and after the election, the public is after the leader."

He argued that a five-year term is too long in today's fast-paced world, and electing the wrong leader can plunge lakhs of people and entire regions into darkness and backwardness.

The AAP leader stressed that voters deserve the power to correct their mistakes, describing the Right to Recall not as a weapon against politicians, but as an "insurance for democracy".

He pointed out existing provisions in the Indian Constitution and laws, such as the impeachment of the President, removal of the Vice President, Judges and even no-confidence motions against governments, questioning why voters should not have similar recourse against non-performing MPs or MLAs.

Drawing international examples, Chadha noted that the mechanism exists in over 24 democracies, including Canada and Switzerland.

He cited the recall of California Governor Gray Davis in 2003, where 1.3 million constituents signed a petition amid an energy crisis, budget mismanagement, and other issues, leading to his removal after 55 per cent of voters approved it in a special election.

In India, Chadha referenced existing local-level practices, where gram panchayat representatives in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan can be recalled by gram sabha votes.

He proposed safeguards to prevent misuse, including a minimum performance period of 18 months before any recall attempt, specific grounds for removal and a high threshold, such as at least 50 per cent voter approval in a recall vote.

Chadha believes such a system would force political parties to field better candidates, eliminate "non-performing assets", mature India's democracy, and truly empower citizens by giving them ongoing control over their representatives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the intent is good, I'm worried about misuse. In our polarized political climate, rival parties could mobilize people to constantly try and recall good leaders, creating permanent instability. The 18-month safeguard and 50% threshold are crucial, but will they be enough?
R
Rohit P
Chadha's quote hits the nail on the head: "Before the election, the leader is after the public, and after the election, the public is after the leader." So true! We see this in our own constituencies. This law could change the entire *neta-janta* relationship for the better.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see international examples being cited. If it works in mature democracies like Canada and Switzerland, it's worth a serious debate here. The California example shows it's a tool of last resort, not for frivolous reasons. We need more such constructive discussions in Parliament.
V
Vikram M
First, we need to fix the bigger issue - the quality of candidates being fielded. Parties give tickets to criminals and wealthy people. Right to Recall is a good second step, but if the choices themselves are bad, what will we recall them to? Reform the candidate selection process first.
K
Karthik V
The provision already exists at the gram panchayat level in some states. Scaling it up to MPs and MLAs is a logical next step for deeper democracy. It empowers citizens beyond just casting a vote every five years. This is real *jan shakti* (people's power).

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