Monday, August 23, 2010

Can a commoner enter legislature, Asks Lok Satta

It is odd that lawmakers plan to enact a law that benefits only them, said the Lok Satta Party today on the demand for a hike in MPs’ salaries.

It would be in the fitness of things if the 15th Lok Sabha cleared a hike in pay and perquisites for members of the 16th Lok Sabha. There is such a precedent in the U. S. President Clinton signed the law that provided for a hike in the salary of the next incumbent.

In a media statement, party General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao said that the demand for a higher salary by MPs is understandable. Expecting elected representatives to spend out of their pocket is not proper. At the same time, salaries should not become a source of income. Instead, they should earn income through some honest means.

The real issue, however, is not MPs’ salaries. Scores of MPs do not need any salary at all since they happen to be millionaires. Apparently, only those who can spend millions of rupees can step into legislature portals these days. Democracy faces a grave threat if one can enter legislature only with the help of money and not on the strength of one’s policies and programs. When a majority of people goes unrepresented because of the influence of money, the divide between the rulers and the ruled widens and triggers unrest. The MPs should focus on such disturbing developments, instead of only on their salaries.


  1. It's true, in the current scenario, that one need to have enough money to be elected as an MP or MLA or any contest. But how can we counter this..? Is there a solution..? Most times, I feel ashamed myself with whatz goi' on in my country. I am shocked to hear like "Which Party do U support?"(Being asked by my fellow friends who are well educated and finely settled). The question is not about 'Party'.. it should be about 'Contestant'. I pledge my people not to love any 'Party', be flexible and think broader. Vote Ur fellow contestant and not Ur Party.. All political parties in India are no different from money making Corporate companies.
    Hope U all realise this..
    Comments will be appreciated.
    Thanks in advance.

  2. @pwN,
    I would disagree with you. In most of the parties, all major things are decided by the top 2-3 leaders of the party, and not anything significant by others. Voting for a MLA/MP candidate is nothing but, supporting the leader of that party. Even if the candidate is very good, if the leader of the party is very bad, then the state/country will suffer by that. If we vote for a bad candidate under the leadership of very good leader, then the state/country will prosper. Of course, this is not applicable for the local elections (for corporator, councillor, surpanch), where you have to go with the contestant and never by party.