What steps shall be taken to reform the political parties in India? Suggest any four steps.
In order to face the challenges in society, political parties need to be reformed.
The following steps should be taken to reform the political parties
(i) Anti-Defection Law Under the Anti-Defection Law, MLAs and MPs cannot change party after the election. This was done as many elected candidates were indulging in defection in order to become ministers or for cash rewards. Now, according to this law, if any MLA or MP changes parties, he or she will lose the seat in Legislature. At the same time, this law has made any dissent even more difficult. MPs and MLAs have to accept whatever the party leaders decide.
(ii) Affidavit Now, it is mandatory for every candidate, who contests elections to file an affidavit giving details of his property and criminal cases pending against him.
(iii) The Election Commission passed an order making it necessary for political parties to hold their organisational elections and file their income tax returns.
(iv) It should be made mandatory for the parties to give one-third of their party tickets to women candidates, thus women can take part in the decision-making bodies of the party.