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God knows which way the trust vote would swing. We do not even know if there would a trust vote at all. While the exercise was directed at computing the number of ‘Ayes’ and the number of “Nays’ at the trust vote, it has thrown up some interesting data on absentee legislators.
Speculation is rife as to whether some of our honourable parliamentarians who make it a habit to be absent from the legislature would be present at the trust vote at all. If they do not show up, it would tantamount to abstention. And, their abstinence could work either way. It could work in favour of the trust vote or it could work against it.
During the three sessions of parliament last year that added up to 62 days, Govinda was in the parliament for only one day. Mamata Banerjee attended the parliament for 13 days. Shibu Soren could find time only for 14 days. Navjot Singh Sidhu could put in only 15 days. Vinod Khanna could make it to the parliament only for 16 days. There was a Hindustan Times report to this effect. Why do these parliamentarians fight elections if they do not have time for our nation?
The attendance of the above parliamentarians during the last year was 25 percent or less. With that kind of attendance, students would not be allowed to take their tests in colleges and schools. Should the nation allow these parliamentarians to attend or vote at the trust vote? We have minimum attendance requirements everywhere. Then, why not for parliamentarians who are supposed to set examples for the entire nation? Why should we carry on with parliamentarians who are more irresponsible than school and college students?
Don’t you think we should hold a national referendum to decide whether these legislators should be allowed to continue as members of the parliament? Why do we have to elect people who do not have time for us; who do not have time for our parliament; who do not have time for our nation—our motherland?
Why should we allow candidates who do not have time for our nation to fight the elections in the first place? I think the Election Commission should get a declaration from these politicans at the time of filing their nominations to the effect that they would attend at least 90 percent of the parliament sessions.
Absence due to some undavoidabel circumstances in understandable. There can be no explanation for absence that run up to 75 percent or more. Our parliamentarians should realize that the people of India have not elected them to enjoy a paid holiday.
By doing what they have done, they have made a big joke of our democatic ideals, our electoral system and the votes of what they have taken for granted as the silent majority of this nation. They have clearly shown that they put themselves and their self interests before the interest of the nation. Should this go unchecked?
RSS 
What do you say about those who do not turn up to vote and enjoy on holidays leaving their nation to be run by criminals who make a mockery of the democratic institution?? I have always maintained that barring serious health prob, they must be booked under a non-bailable warrant. It is your duty to vote first. Don’t get me wrong, i still agree with you that the MPs who don’t turn up must be ditched out. I’m not supporting them but there are lot of others to be blamed.
I think every politician should not be allowed to contest in polls.
There should be basic educational qualifications and age limits for contesting elections.
They must have clean police records.
We should have more of public debates on issues.
Yes, I agree with Vincent, there should be an option of negative voting as well.
I agree with you that those who do not vote should be taken to task and penalised in some way. But, there would be others who would argue as to what kind of democracy we have in our country where a voter cannot even decide whether to vote or not. If I have a choice between two anti-social elements, I would prefer not to cast my vote.
That is why I talk of negative voting. I wrote about it several times but it has not reached those for whom it was meant. I am writing a post on negative voting. Please do read it and comment on it. Thanks for your time and comments.
Jokes apart, the attendance in parliaments is pathetic of some of these representatives of people. Hardly surprising given the fact the diverse areas that these politicians have to attend to. TV commitments, press conferences, negotiating deals (oops), the list is endless. And are they really to blame? I mean the kind of ruckus that our parliaments are usually in, as it is it is difficult to conduct affairs with so few a people in there. What we really need is a few more absentees to bring some more order in the proceedings.
I hope only PM makes an effort to turn up on the big day. That way he’s sure to stay in the office. Unless, of course, speaker votes against :P
Our MPs seem to be on paid holidays at the tax-payers expense. On top of it some of them will sell their self too by selling their votes too or may get lollipops for their votes in kind.
What a shame we have no option but to elect them...
I am strongly in favour of negative voting by the electorate to discourage such people. The negative votes should also be counted for each candidate and if their negative votes outweigh the votes in their favour they should be barred from contesting any future election.
I always believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am sorry, but I am a compulsive optimist. And, I live on endless hope. So, I will keep exploring option after option so long as I am alive. If I hit upon a good option, I will share it with my fellow country man and the world.
I thank you very much for sharing your views with me.