Breaking Free: A Bill to Liberate Parliamentarians from Whip Control

Congress MP Manish Tewari has once again introduced a bill in Lok Sabha aiming to free parliamentarians from strict party whips. The bill seeks to give them more independence in voting on issues not impacting government stability, ostensibly to encourage thoughtful legislation and genuine representation of their constituencies.

In a significant move, Congress MP Manish Tewari has introduced a private member's bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the Anti-Defection Law, allowing parliamentarians to vote independently on certain bills without party whips' influence, except for bills impacting government stability.

The bill, presented for the third time after previous attempts in 2010 and 2021, aims to empower legislators to focus on their constituents' needs rather than strict party lines, promoting 'good lawmaking' and reducing the impact of 'whip-driven tyranny' in India's legislative processes.

Tewari argues that the bill is necessary to revive conscientious and authentic legislative practices, challenging a system where legislators follow prepared statements and automatic votes, thereby enhancing the democratic process and ensuring that elected representatives fulfill their fundamental roles.

(With inputs from agencies.)