Q1. The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result, healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?
Model Answer:
Introduction
The diminishing role of individual MPs in India’s Parliament is often linked to the anti-defection law, initially enacted in 1985 to curb political instability caused by frequent party-switching. This law mandates that MPs must follow the party’s stance on crucial votes, reducing their ability to express independent views.
Body
Impact of Anti-Defection Law on MPs’ Role:
- Restricts Autonomy: MPs are bound by party directives, limiting their freedom to voice local concerns or personal opinions on policy matters.
- Weakens Debate Quality: Fear of disqualification prevents MPs from contributing diverse perspectives, affecting the richness of policy discussions.
- Prioritizes Party Over Public: Party loyalty often overshadows public interest, as MPs hesitate to challenge party lines even on issues impacting their constituencies.
Conclusion
While the anti-defection law aimed to ensure stability, it has inadvertently stifled healthy debates and reduced MPs to party representatives rather than public advocates, weakening parliamentary democracy.
Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam
✅ Now try writing this answer in your own
words and evaluate it instantly
using SuperKalam