The Congress on Monday said the right to recall elected representatives and reject candidates as demanded by activist Anna Hazare is “not practical” as “50 per cent of people do not vote” in the country while the BJP said the issue should be given serious consideration.
“Right to recall is not practical in India. 50 per cent people do not go for voting. Candidates win elections by getting only three crore votes out of 13—14 cr voters.... so I do not think it is possible in the country,” Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi told reporters outside Parliament House.
On the demand for right to reject candidates, he said, “Same way this will be applicable when maximum voters will come forward for voting. First we should try to ensure that 80-90 per cent voters go for voting. Otherwise right to reject is also not feasible.”
Soon after he ended his 12—day fast on Lokpal issue, Mr. Hazare on Sunday said his fight would now be for right to recall and right to reject as part of electoral reforms so that corruption can be reduced.
“While Right to Recall would be for those elected, the Right to Reject will be a column in the ballot paper which would ensure the voter has a right to say that he does not like the listed candidates.
“We have to reform electoral system. (we need) Right to Reject. You should be able to reject your candidate in the ballot paper. We have to do that.”
Backing poll reforms, BJP leader Rajnath Singh said, “As far as change in system is concerned, we are in favour of it.
There should be changes in electoral system, administrative system and economic system.”
Recalling the JP movement, Mr. Singh said, “When JP had given the call for complete revolution in the country, the issue of right to recall and right to reject was raised during that time. The issue should be taken up seriously.”
