Defections affect moral sanctity of democracy
The Hindu argues that party defections weaken representative democracy by normalising political opportunism and undermining voter mandates.
- The Hindu column argues that defections weaken trust in representative institutions and distort voter mandates.
- India's constitutional anti-defection framework seeks to deter floor-crossing through disqualification provisions.
What happened
The Hindu column argues that party defections have moved beyond isolated claims of conscience and now reflect a deeper democratic problem. Political switching for power, convenience, or access to office weakens trust in representative institutions and distorts the mandate given by voters.
The anti-defection regime has not fully addressed the ethical damage caused by political betrayal. Legal restrictions can discourage opportunism, but the larger challenge is the normalisation of defection as acceptable political conduct.
A mains question can link the Tenth Schedule, party discipline, voter mandate, and internal party democracy. A prelims question can ask about the anti-defection framework, the Speaker's role, or the constitutional basis of disqualification.
Related dispatches
