Political parties in India largely seem to be functioning on the principle of dynastic succession. In this context, discuss why intraparty democracy is falling short in India. Suggest how it can be brought into practice. (200 words)
Refer – The Hindu
Enrich your answer from other sources if the question demands
IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
· In India, most of the political parties functions on the principle of dynastic succession.
· There are too many strong evidences to suggest that dynastic succession becomes more familiar among Indian political parties.
· This raises the concerns of lack of internal democracy within the parties.
Reasons
Legislative reasons
· Our Constitution does not provide for the constitution and working of the political parties, though they are at the heart of a parliamentary democracy.
· The RP Act does not permit the regulation of the functioning or ideology of the parties.
· The ECI’s Guidelines prescribe provisions only for internal accountability and not candidate selection.
· Even so, these provisions are not backed by penal provisions, and cannot bar parties from contesting elections.
Intra-party reasons
· Centralised decision-making - the top echelons appear to play a decisive role in terms of distribution of party tickets, selection of Chief Ministers and State party leaders, and party finance.
· The electoral process is more representative but political parties look a lot like oligarchies.
· Nepotism – Family rule has now been a striking feature of Indian political parties.
· There has been no contest for the president’s post.
· All presidents have come through the selection or nomination route.
· Lack of institutionalisation - political parties still refuse to lay down settled and predictable procedures ranging from the selection of candidates to the framing of a manifesto.
· Strong leaders rarely support institutionalisation because it constrains their discretion and personal power.
Solutions
· Introduce intra-party democracy mechanisms in recruitment of members and candidates; elections for important party posts; consultations with party members on deciding party agenda; fund raising and spending; providing opportunities for young politicians to climb hierarchy ranks.
· Regular election through secret ballot for the post of party bearers, CM selection, etc
· Empower Election Commission to monitor intraparty democracy.
· There should be a comprehensive legislation regulating the registration and functioning of political parties or alliances of parties in India.
Manav 6 years
Please review.
IAS Parliament 6 years
Another good answer. Keep writing.
