Sule Plans To Propose Open Voting To Curb Election Horse-Trading
The NCP (SP) leader alleged that extensive horse-trading took place during the Legislative Council polls, adding that both the media and the public were aware of how the process was handled.
Mumbai: NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Saturday indicated that she will move a bill in the Parliament to address the issue of horse-trading in elections. She called for the discontinuation of these elections in their current form or the implementation of open voting. In response, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he believes that people can be won over with love rather than money, but won’t mind supporting anyone who wants to move a Bill focused on reforming the election process.
Ms Sule emphasised that elections should not be contested purely on financial strength and stated that central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, and Income Tax Department should not be used to intimidate opponents.
“I am planning to introduce a Bill in Parliament to replace secret ballots with a public ‘show of hands’ voting system for all elections, from the selection of a Sarpanch to the Lok Sabha elections,” Ms Sule said.
Justifying the NCP-SP’s decision against contesting the Pune Legislative Council seat, Ms Sule said, “The decision not to contest the Pune Legislative Council seat was made collectively by leaders of all three parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). We held a meeting, and this decision was reached. There were discussions about massive ‘horse-trading’ for the Pune Legislative Council election, which is why we decided to withdraw.”
The NCP (SP) leader alleged that extensive horse-trading took place during the Legislative Council polls, adding that both the media and the public were aware of how the process was handled. She stated that her party would contest the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections with full force.
Mr. Fadnavis responded saying that support is gained through public goodwill rather than financial influence. He stated that if a leader understands how to win people over through relationship-building, such parliamentary bills become unnecessary. However, he added that he welcomes any legislative effort or proposal aimed at bringing meaningful reforms to the election process.
“I would just say that if you understand that people can be won over with love rather than money, there would be no need to introduce such a Bill. However, I have no objection if someone wants to introduce a Bill regarding the need for reform in the election process. It is also my opinion that the electoral process should undergo reform,” the Maharashtra CM said.
