Social activist Anna Hazare backs Varun Gandhi’s demand for ‘right to recall’ law

In a private-member legislation moved in the Lok Sabha in March, parliamentarian Varun Gandhi had proposed an amendment that would provide for the recall of elected representatives within two years if 75% of the voters were unhappy with the ruling dispensation’s performance.

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare has thrown his weight behind BJP MP Varun Gandhi’s demand for a “right to recall” law, stating that a legislation to this effect will revolutionise Indian democracy.

Advocating the introduction of a right to reject (candidates) law, anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare said the NOTA provision was an incomplete job on the part of the election commission. (PTI photo)

In a private-member legislation moved in the Lok Sabha in March, Gandhi had proposed an amendment that would provide for the recall of elected representatives within two years if 75% of the voters were unhappy with the ruling dispensation’s performance. The two-time parliamentarian had requested the BJP leadership to initiate a debate on the matter.

“Such a move will help increase political accountability and deepen democracy for all,” Gandhi tweeted on Thursday, sharing a two-page letter from the activist with his followers. “Honoured to have Shri Anna Hazareji’s support for the Right to Recall Bill that I introduced in Parliament.”

The anti-corruption activist’s letter pointed out that he had been demanding a similar legislation since 2008. “What we also need is a right to reject unsuitable candidates (before an election),” it further stated. “If a majority of the voters opt for the right to reject, voting should be cancelled and fresh elections ordered with new candidates.”

The activist had spearheaded a massive public movement against the Congress-led UPA government in 2011, demanding the establishment of the Lokpal – an independent anti-corruption watchdog – to keep an eye on government machinery. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Puducherry governor Kiran Bedi were the key faces of the movement, which helped the BJP-led opposition build a strong case against alleged corruption in the then Manmohan Singh government.