Rajya Sabha discusses the need for electoral reforms

Rajya Sabha discusses the need for electoral reforms under rule 176, BJP argues for having a common voter list for all elections, appeals for deliberation on one nation, one election; centre assures new law to tacle data theft soon.

Rajya Sabha on Wednesday held a short duration discussion under rule 176 on the issue of electoral reforms in the country. 14 opposition parties including Congress, TMC had given notice for the discussion on poll reforms. Participating in the discussion, Law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the voter today know the value of vote. he attacked the opposition for continuing to raise doubts over EVMs.

He also said that till date no specific complaint on EVMs has been proved in the courts of law or other wise. the centre also strongley supported the idea of one nation one poll adding that scattered election schedule for various polls is countr-productive. He specifically highlighted the high expeditute matrix of conducting polls separately

Earlier Initiating the discussion, Derek O Brien of Trinamool Congress raised a number of issues. Talking about EVMs and working of the Election Commission, he expressed concern over issues of interference by international agencies and social media platforms in election in the country.

Putting forth the govt’s perspective over the issue, Sr BJP leader Bhupinder yadav said elections are not an end in themselves but a means to ensure good governance. He defended the idea of One Nation One Election. Taking a shot at some opposition parties, he also raised the need for internal party democracy within political parties.

As the discussion progressed, leaders from across political parties shared their views on poll reforms. Host of issues such as poll expenditure, role of media, criminalization of politics were taken up.

All in all diverse aspects of elections in India were discussed in the upper house. With its spirited reply the govt has made its intentions clear that electoral reforms might be a long and difficult path to tread, but it is prepared to go an extra mile achieve the common objectives.