The Phase 3 of the 2019 General Election will take place on 23 April, 2019 where 115 Lok Sabha constituencies go to polls across 14 states and Union Territories (UTs). Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will witness voting in some Lok Sabha seats. All parliamentary constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa and Daman and Diu will vote on 23 April in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on 23 May for the same.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Largest phase of polling underway

Lok Sabha election 2019 is underway so as its 3rd round of polling. Polling for 302 out of 543 seats is about to end. Watch video.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Voter turnout figures as of 5pm

Lok sabha election 2019: Polling for 302 out of 543 seats to end

In Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019, Voting is underway on 14 out of 28 seats of Karnataka. BS Yeddyurappa talked WION and said he is confident of son's victory.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: BS Yeddyurappa confident of son's victory in Karnataka

Voting for 302 seats out of 543 seats is about to end. 23.65% polling has been done as of 11 AM IST. Watch complete video to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Voting for 302 out of 543 seats to end, 23.65% polling as of 11 AM IST

BJP pushing for gains in West Bengal and Odisha and wants to win 35-40 seats in the East. BJP also wants to make gains in the North East.

India Election Watch: Decoding BJP's strategy for East

Congress releases the names of 6 candidates for Lok Sabha Polls. Know about the candidates.

India Election Watch: Congress releases the names of 6 candidates

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 22nd April 2019.

India Election Watch; 22nd April 2019

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday broke his silence on Congress' poll promise of NYAY, stressing that no new taxes will be required to implement this scheme successfully in the ground

Ex-PM Manmohan Singh backs NYAY, says no need for new taxes to finance the scheme

BJP has won all elections in Gujarat since 1998. Will Modi Magic reap rewards in 2019?

IEW: Will the BJP Sweep Gujarat ?

There are big tickets battle in Phase-3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019. Watch complete video to know more.

IEW: Big tickets battle in Phase-3 of Lok Sabha Election 2019

As the 72-hour campaigning ban imposed on him by the Election Commission came to an end, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Friday said that respect for constitutional bodies was part of the BJP's ideology.

IEW: Back from Ban, Yogi Adityanath Campaigns

India underway for its 2nd phase of Lok Sabha election 2019. Here is a quick look at the voter's turn-out for the day. Watch video to know more.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Quick look at the voter's turn-out figures for 2nd phase

Polling is underway in 95 constituencies spread across 11 states and one Union Territory of Puducherry as voters will seal the fate of 1,644 candidates during the second of the seven-phase Lok Sabha Elections 2019. Here's what political analyst Francois Gautier introspect about India's coaliation and alliance politics.

WION Chat: Francois Gautier political analyst on India's coaliation and alliance politics

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive. The cost of ensuring democracy is increasing day by day. From 1951 to 2019 the expense per vote has increased many folds. One should not take it lightly while thinking about voting. &nbsp;

The irony of the matter lies in the fact that the Election Commission (EC) puts expenditure limit as only Rs. 50 lakh to 70 lakh per candidate to campaign for his/her election. The configuration of elections has changed post-independence. Now the mode of transport is no more the ‘Paidal Yatras’ but helicopters have taken over it. The mode of advertisements have also changed in this electronic age; now they have their own websites, blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter handle over the internet and a hefty sum is spent over them.&nbsp;

There’s no denying the fact that elections are an expensive affair in India. In 1952, Rs 10.45 crore was spent on conducting the first general election by the government. The expenditure was less than Rs 100 crore till the 8th general election in 1984-85.

The expenditure crossed Rs 500 crore for the first time during the 11th general election in 1996 and it crossed Rs 1000 crore during the 14th general election in 2004. In 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the cost to the exchequer was Rs 1114.4 crores. In 2014, Lok Sabha elections were most expensive entailing a cost of Rs 3870 crore to the national exchequer. &nbsp;

Regardless of the ubiquity of various offers and favours, a number of factors explain why campaigns are getting more expensive.&nbsp;

First, a slow and steady increase in the size of various constituencies may play a major role. By March 2019, the voter size in the country already swelled by a record-breaking number of 52.6 million. This increase is because of the post-Millennia’s — the ones born at the dawn of the 21st century. They have come of age at a crucial time and no political party can afford to ignore. Simply, increasing populations require candidates to spend more. &nbsp;

Secondly, in the new age of electronic media, there are changes in campaigning strategies. While radio and television have emerged as the preferred traditional media platform, all political parties have gone beyond it this year. A series of amusing videos, which entered into people's screens through WhatsApp and YouTube, which increase the cost of the campaigning. &nbsp;

Thirdly, and most importantly, a steady rise in the number of candidates and competition has sparked a race in campaign spending. &nbsp; 
 
How to reduce the cost of elections:

To reduce the overall cost of conducting the election, we should think about One Nation One Election. The basic idea behind this concept is to conduct a single election for the Lok Sabha, the State Legislatures and the local governments in place of series of elections done regularly over a period of time. This concept is increasingly growing popular within India as many eminent political leaders have put forth their views over its application within India, which includes Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India), former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and also Ram Nath Kovind (President of India). 
 
In Indian democracy, the number of candidates has been increased, political competition has also increased and the cost of campaigning has also amplified. ‘One Nation One Election’ is a much-awaited policy, which after implementation shall completely change the electoral scenario in India. Hence for this general election, vote wisely to safeguard the democratic process in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(The article is co-authored by Meenakshi. She is currently pursuing a PhD&nbsp;in Political Science from Amity University)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive.

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive. The cost of ensuring democracy is increasing day by day. From 1951 to 2019 the expense per vote has increased many folds. One should not take it lightly while thinking about voting.  The irony of the matter lies in the fact that the Election Commission (EC) puts expenditure limit as only Rs. 50 lakh to 70 lakh per candidate to campaign for his/her election. The configuration of elections has changed post-independence. Now the mode of transport is no more the ‘Paidal Yatras’ but helicopters have taken over it. The mode of advertisements have also changed in this electronic age; now they have their own websites, blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter handle over the internet and a hefty sum is spent over them. There’s no denying the fact that elections are an expensive affair in India. In 1952, Rs 10.45 crore was spent on conducting the first general election by the government. The expenditure was less than Rs 100 crore till the 8th general election in 1984-85. The expenditure crossed Rs 500 crore for the first time during the 11th general election in 1996 and it crossed Rs 1000 crore during the 14th general election in 2004. In 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the cost to the exchequer was Rs 1114.4 crores. In 2014, Lok Sabha elections were most expensive entailing a cost of Rs 3870 crore to the national exchequer. Regardless of the ubiquity of various offers and favours, a number of factors explain why campaigns are getting more expensive. First, a slow and steady increase in the size of various constituencies may play a major role. By March 2019, the voter size in the country already swelled by a record-breaking number of 52.6 million. This increase is because of the post-Millennia’s — the ones born at the dawn of the 21st century. They have come of age at a crucial time and no political party can afford to ignore. Simply, increasing populations require candidates to spend more. Secondly, in the new age of electronic media, there are changes in campaigning strategies. While radio and television have emerged as the preferred traditional media platform, all political parties have gone beyond it this year. A series of amusing videos, which entered into people's screens through WhatsApp and YouTube, which increase the cost of the campaigning. Thirdly, and most importantly, a steady rise in the number of candidates and competition has sparked a race in campaign spending. How to reduce the cost of elections: To reduce the overall cost of conducting the election, we should think about One Nation One Election. The basic idea behind this concept is to conduct a single election for the Lok Sabha, the State Legislatures and the local governments in place of series of elections done regularly over a period of time. This concept is increasingly growing popular within India as many eminent political leaders have put forth their views over its application within India, which includes Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India), former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and also Ram Nath Kovind (President of India). In Indian democracy, the number of candidates has been increased, political competition has also increased and the cost of campaigning has also amplified. ‘One Nation One Election’ is a much-awaited policy, which after implementation shall completely change the electoral scenario in India. Hence for this general election, vote wisely to safeguard the democratic process in India. (The article is co-authored by Meenakshi. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science from Amity University) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 'One nation, one election' will help India reduce the poll expenses

The second phase of Lok Sabha election 2019 is underway. Here are the details from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur seat. Watch video to know more

LS Polls 2019: Congress vs BJP in Udhampur seat

Voters, politicians & celebrities queue up to vote in second phase

WION in conversation with Senior Journalist RK Upadhaya. BJP seeks re-entry in South India? BJP remains organisationally weak in Tamil Nadu. Decoding BJP's plan for Lok Sabha election 2019.

WION's exclusive conversation with Senior Journalist RK Upadhaya over BJP's South plan

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 17th April 2019.

India Election Watch; 17th April 2019

Every election season witnesses politicians making objectionable remarks against their rivals, and every poll season has the Election Commission of India warning the offenders and reminding them of the code of conduct. On a few occasion the poll panel ‘acts’ by banning the accused from conducting or attending poll meetings for a few days. After that, it’s back to normal. So, why do politicians make comments that are violative of the Code of Conduct? Not only that, why do they use offensive words that are also against basic norms of civility?&nbsp;

The first reason is to do with the toothlessness of the Election Commission of India. If it finds some remark adversarial to the Model Code&nbsp;of Conduct, it can take two steps: Warn the accused, or bar him from campaigning. The second usually follows after the first. On paper, it can even debar a candidate from contesting, but that’s rare. Bal Thackeray had been disqualified from contesting elections for six years after he was found guilty of appealing to religious sentiments on behalf of a Shiv Sena leader in the 1987 Maharashtra Assembly elections. But that was after the court stepped in and Section 123 (3) of the Representation of the People Act was invoked. The Election Commission of India has often pointed out that its orders are usually non-binding in nature and that the Code of Conduct must be made legally binding to check objectionable content during poll campaigning. &nbsp;

The poll panel’s helplessness has only emboldened the political class. Already, in the course of the ongoing poll campaign, various offensive remarks have been made by leaders ranging from one end of the political spectrum to another. The Election Commission of India sought details of these statements but seemed to be taking its own time, leading the Supreme Court to step in and said, “Mr Election Commission, you have to act very promptly. You cannot drag matters like this. Get into action immediately.” &nbsp;

Thus prompted, the poll panel swung into action and placed restrictions on a bunch of leaders — Mayawati, Yogi Adityanath, Azam Khan, Maneka Gandhi. They were barred from addressing rallies for periods ranging from 48 hours to 72 hours. Expectedly, the affected leaders cried foul, claiming they had done no wrong.&nbsp;

But even within the restrictions, it is fettered with, the poll panel can be at least a bit more effective. As Chief Election Commissioner, TN Seshan had managed to curb offensive speeches in the 1990s through a mix of dire threats against such offence and action on the ground. He expressed his resolve to cancel or postpone elections in case the candidates failed to adhere to the code.&nbsp;

His warnings had the desired impact, though it did not fully stamp out the practice, especially when it came to appealing to religious sentiments.&nbsp;

It is ironical that various politicians flout a code of conduct which they themselves contributed to framing. The set of norms which comprise the Model Conduct of Conduct had been created through a consensus among political parties which agreed to abide by it. There are eight parts to the code, each dealing with different aspects of the norms to be followed by parties and candidates during poll campaigning. They are: Guidelines on poll manifestos; steps that the party in power should take; observers that the poll panel appoints; entry into polling booths; rules to be followed on polling day; organisation of processions; conduct of meetings; and, general conduct. The last one covers a range of dos and don’t, such as refraining from appealing to caste or religion to attract votes or using corrupt means, avoiding personal or private criticism of rivals and instead limiting criticism to policies or programmes, and not resorting to any activity which “may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic”. &nbsp;The code comes into effect from the day poll dates are announced.&nbsp;

The code of conduct is in keeping with Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which gives the Election Commission of India the power to supervise elections to Parliament and state legislatures. The code was first introduced back in 1960 in the Kerala Assembly elections, and then in the 1962 general elections. Over the years, it has evolved with experience and feedback from political parties. In 1979, a provision to regulate the party in power was introduced; in 2013, on directions of the Apex Court, the poll panel added a section on guidelines concerning election manifestos to ensure that the documents did not offer objectionable material.&nbsp;

Given that the fact that the Model Code of Conduct is not enforceable by law, aggrieved parties have to fall back on various others legal provisions in the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal procedure and the Representation of the People Act, to get justice. But the process is time-consuming, and a verdict is more likely than not, to come after polling is done and even results are out. In a report on electoral reforms, the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice had recommended the inclusion of the model code of conduct into the Representation of the People Act, for effective redressal. The time has come to give the Election Commission more teeth.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Every election season witnesses politicians making objectionable remarks against their rivals, and every poll season has the Election Commission of India warning the offenders and reminding them of the code of conduct.

Every election season witnesses politicians making objectionable remarks against their rivals, and every poll season has the Election Commission of India warning the offenders and reminding them of the code of conduct. On a few occasion the poll panel ‘acts’ by banning the accused from conducting or attending poll meetings for a few days. After that, it’s back to normal. So, why do politicians make comments that are violative of the Code of Conduct? Not only that, why do they use offensive words that are also against basic norms of civility? The first reason is to do with the toothlessness of the Election Commission of India. If it finds some remark adversarial to the Model Code of Conduct, it can take two steps: Warn the accused, or bar him from campaigning. The second usually follows after the first. On paper, it can even debar a candidate from contesting, but that’s rare. Bal Thackeray had been disqualified from contesting elections for six years after he was found guilty of appealing to religious sentiments on behalf of a Shiv Sena leader in the 1987 Maharashtra Assembly elections. But that was after the court stepped in and Section 123 (3) of the Representation of the People Act was invoked. The Election Commission of India has often pointed out that its orders are usually non-binding in nature and that the Code of Conduct must be made legally binding to check objectionable content during poll campaigning. The poll panel’s helplessness has only emboldened the political class. Already, in the course of the ongoing poll campaign, various offensive remarks have been made by leaders ranging from one end of the political spectrum to another. The Election Commission of India sought details of these statements but seemed to be taking its own time, leading the Supreme Court to step in and said, “Mr Election Commission, you have to act very promptly. You cannot drag matters like this. Get into action immediately.” Thus prompted, the poll panel swung into action and placed restrictions on a bunch of leaders — Mayawati, Yogi Adityanath, Azam Khan, Maneka Gandhi. They were barred from addressing rallies for periods ranging from 48 hours to 72 hours. Expectedly, the affected leaders cried foul, claiming they had done no wrong. But even within the restrictions, it is fettered with, the poll panel can be at least a bit more effective. As Chief Election Commissioner, TN Seshan had managed to curb offensive speeches in the 1990s through a mix of dire threats against such offence and action on the ground. He expressed his resolve to cancel or postpone elections in case the candidates failed to adhere to the code. His warnings had the desired impact, though it did not fully stamp out the practice, especially when it came to appealing to religious sentiments. It is ironical that various politicians flout a code of conduct which they themselves contributed to framing. The set of norms which comprise the Model Conduct of Conduct had been created through a consensus among political parties which agreed to abide by it. There are eight parts to the code, each dealing with different aspects of the norms to be followed by parties and candidates during poll campaigning. They are: Guidelines on poll manifestos; steps that the party in power should take; observers that the poll panel appoints; entry into polling booths; rules to be followed on polling day; organisation of processions; conduct of meetings; and, general conduct. The last one covers a range of dos and don’t, such as refraining from appealing to caste or religion to attract votes or using corrupt means, avoiding personal or private criticism of rivals and instead limiting criticism to policies or programmes, and not resorting to any activity which “may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic”. The code comes into effect from the day poll dates are announced. The code of conduct is in keeping with Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which gives the Election Commission of India the power to supervise elections to Parliament and state legislatures. The code was first introduced back in 1960 in the Kerala Assembly elections, and then in the 1962 general elections. Over the years, it has evolved with experience and feedback from political parties. In 1979, a provision to regulate the party in power was introduced; in 2013, on directions of the Apex Court, the poll panel added a section on guidelines concerning election manifestos to ensure that the documents did not offer objectionable material. Given that the fact that the Model Code of Conduct is not enforceable by law, aggrieved parties have to fall back on various others legal provisions in the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal procedure and the Representation of the People Act, to get justice. But the process is time-consuming, and a verdict is more likely than not, to come after polling is done and even results are out. In a report on electoral reforms, the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice had recommended the inclusion of the model code of conduct into the Representation of the People Act, for effective redressal. The time has come to give the Election Commission more teeth. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Campaign ban on Mayawati, Maneka, Azam, Yogi: Election Commission needs more teeth to tackle poll code violations

All you need to know about key battles in Phase 2 of elections 2019. Watch more to know.

India Election Watch: Big battles in Phase 2 of elections 2019; All you need to know

Almost a day after Samajwadi Party senior leader Azam Khan was slapped with a campaign ban by the Election Commission and an FIR by the Uttar Pradesh Police against his derogatory speech on BJP leader Jaya Prada. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Azam Khan's son plays Muslim card

Ferdous Ahmed was seen seeking votes for TMC candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal, and participated in rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi. It has been asked to send a detailed report on whether Ahmed, who is in India on a business visa, has violated visa conditions by allegedly participating in campaigning.

BJP: Mamata Banerjee's TMC violates poll code of conduct

SC refuses to entertain Mayawati's plea against polls rally ban by EC. Election Commission has banned four politicians from campaigning and holding election rally for 48 hrs. Watch complete video to know more.

SC refuses to entertain Mayawati's plea against polls rally ban by EC

What exactly is good governance that every political leader claims to bestow on the people, best enshrined in their 2019 election manifestos?&nbsp;

If voters are not acquainted with what constitutes good governance during election time, when else will people know? Never mind the claims and counter-claims, citizens need to know about good governance, so that it does not merely remain a poll time rhetoric.

Governance is not same as the “Government”. It is much more. For example, can a government provide governance without the involvement of civil society?&nbsp;

Governance includes developments in communities, academics, businesses, the unorganised sector and self-promoted enterprises.&nbsp;

For most political leaders today, governance is what the government does or how well it controls and commands or offers doles in the name of welfare.&nbsp;

Governance is an outcome and sum total of what and how different pillars of the state perform and function. The distinguishing feature of governance include how actively involved and participative citizens are.&nbsp;

Good governance is not the result of a one-time initiative of a political party that has been in power for one term. It encompasses long term concerns and consequences.&nbsp;

A certain collective spirit between an elected government and civil society should be evident in the functioning and implementation of development programmes.&nbsp;

Some chief ministers claim good governance as dictated by their intentions and some others talk about Ram Rajya, while still others, it is Swarajya.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked of Su Raj from the Red Fort on the eve of the 70th anniversary of independence. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi said that Swaraj means peace to people and prosperity and happiness for everyone. But for most leaders today, it is an index of personal popularity.&nbsp;

Popularity today is a managed affair, not necessarily based on fulfilling promises or sustaining development. Political leaders talk of good governance as “achievements” of their government. Governance cannot be an outcome of popularity of any government’s flagship schemes.&nbsp;

Two years ago in Switzerland, a referendum was held on guaranteed basic income by the government for every family in the country. It was rejected by an overwhelming percentage of people. After considerable debate, the Swiss people viewed the proposal as “unsustainable”.

They felt that such a dole makes them dependent on the government and does not promote human dignity. Finland, Netherlands and Singapore too toyed with such an idea, but gave up for the same reasons.&nbsp;

Can such a referendum take place in India? Political parties, when in power, are only too anxious to dole out sops. Good governance implies luring people in the name of welfare, making them dependent and as unproductive as possible.

Clarity and understanding about good governance is needed not just among political leaders, but also in the news media and civil society.

In the ultimate analysis, good governance in a parliamentary democracy is not possible without good politics; good politics is not feasible without good political parties and political parties cannot be good without concerned and responsible leaders.&nbsp;

All of this is not possible without an active citizenry, who do not fall prey to populistic or temporal lures. Our political parties have become more powerful than “We the People”, as they endeavour for centralisation.

Governance has to go beyond an election-centric view. If the government and the pillars of the state are not sensitive to increasing election costs, then it makes entry into electoral politics prohibitive.&nbsp;

With significant sections of the news media coming under the sway of politicians, a rise in motivated poll surveys and spurt in fake and paid messages, it is unrealistic to expect elections to be free, fair and inclusive.&nbsp;

Two national studies conducted by the Centre of Media Studies (CMS) in 2005 and 2007 had pointed out that the 'note for vote' phenomena was not confined to any state or section, but spread across.&nbsp;

An Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysis of Election Commission data brings out that in the last 15 years, the percentage of criminals, billionaires and those with conflict of interest, is on the increase.&nbsp;

The much-hyped economic reforms of the last 25 years had not improved level playing opportunities in the country. A number of studies have brought out how centralisation is on the increase, despite measures for decentralisation.&nbsp;

Despite anti-defection laws, defections continue to destabilise elected governments. And political parties are not willing to come under the Right to Information Act (RTI) even when it could help to revive themselves. These are trends enough to demonstrate that India is not on the path of good governance.&nbsp;

This 2019 poll campaign has many firsts to its 'credit'. Never before have armed forces been dragged into poll rhetoric. Neither have communalism and nationalism been raked up as they are being done today.&nbsp;

 
No political party has referred to corruption involving citizens in availing public services, raised environmental issues or acknowledged a languishing primary education without a policy and direction.&nbsp;

As the actor turned politician Kamal Haasan said, this election is all about “buying, bidding and luring”. I have been an active observer of election campaigns for the last 50 years, but have never seen a poll scene as gloomy as 2019. 
 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-sops-and-welfare-state-2739624">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What exactly is good governance that every political leader claims to bestow on the people, best enshrined in their 2019 election manifestos? If voters are not acquainted with what constitutes good governance during election time, when else will people know?

What exactly is good governance that every political leader claims to bestow on the people, best enshrined in their 2019 election manifestos? If voters are not acquainted with what constitutes good governance during election time, when else will people know? Never mind the claims and counter-claims, citizens need to know about good governance, so that it does not merely remain a poll time rhetoric. Governance is not same as the “Government”. It is much more. For example, can a government provide governance without the involvement of civil society? Governance includes developments in communities, academics, businesses, the unorganised sector and self-promoted enterprises. For most political leaders today, governance is what the government does or how well it controls and commands or offers doles in the name of welfare. Governance is an outcome and sum total of what and how different pillars of the state perform and function. The distinguishing feature of governance include how actively involved and participative citizens are. Good governance is not the result of a one-time initiative of a political party that has been in power for one term. It encompasses long term concerns and consequences. A certain collective spirit between an elected government and civil society should be evident in the functioning and implementation of development programmes. Some chief ministers claim good governance as dictated by their intentions and some others talk about Ram Rajya, while still others, it is Swarajya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked of Su Raj from the Red Fort on the eve of the 70th anniversary of independence. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi said that Swaraj means peace to people and prosperity and happiness for everyone. But for most leaders today, it is an index of personal popularity. Popularity today is a managed affair, not necessarily based on fulfilling promises or sustaining development. Political leaders talk of good governance as “achievements” of their government. Governance cannot be an outcome of popularity of any government’s flagship schemes. Two years ago in Switzerland, a referendum was held on guaranteed basic income by the government for every family in the country. It was rejected by an overwhelming percentage of people. After considerable debate, the Swiss people viewed the proposal as “unsustainable”. They felt that such a dole makes them dependent on the government and does not promote human dignity. Finland, Netherlands and Singapore too toyed with such an idea, but gave up for the same reasons. Can such a referendum take place in India? Political parties, when in power, are only too anxious to dole out sops. Good governance implies luring people in the name of welfare, making them dependent and as unproductive as possible. Clarity and understanding about good governance is needed not just among political leaders, but also in the news media and civil society. In the ultimate analysis, good governance in a parliamentary democracy is not possible without good politics; good politics is not feasible without good political parties and political parties cannot be good without concerned and responsible leaders. All of this is not possible without an active citizenry, who do not fall prey to populistic or temporal lures. Our political parties have become more powerful than “We the People”, as they endeavour for centralisation. Governance has to go beyond an election-centric view. If the government and the pillars of the state are not sensitive to increasing election costs, then it makes entry into electoral politics prohibitive. With significant sections of the news media coming under the sway of politicians, a rise in motivated poll surveys and spurt in fake and paid messages, it is unrealistic to expect elections to be free, fair and inclusive. Two national studies conducted by the Centre of Media Studies (CMS) in 2005 and 2007 had pointed out that the 'note for vote' phenomena was not confined to any state or section, but spread across. An Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysis of Election Commission data brings out that in the last 15 years, the percentage of criminals, billionaires and those with conflict of interest, is on the increase. The much-hyped economic reforms of the last 25 years had not improved level playing opportunities in the country. A number of studies have brought out how centralisation is on the increase, despite measures for decentralisation. Despite anti-defection laws, defections continue to destabilise elected governments. And political parties are not willing to come under the Right to Information Act (RTI) even when it could help to revive themselves. These are trends enough to demonstrate that India is not on the path of good governance. This 2019 poll campaign has many firsts to its 'credit'. Never before have armed forces been dragged into poll rhetoric. Neither have communalism and nationalism been raked up as they are being done today. No political party has referred to corruption involving citizens in availing public services, raised environmental issues or acknowledged a languishing primary education without a policy and direction. As the actor turned politician Kamal Haasan said, this election is all about “buying, bidding and luring”. I have been an active observer of election campaigns for the last 50 years, but have never seen a poll scene as gloomy as 2019. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In a democracy, good governance is not possible without good politics

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 15th April, 2019.

India Election Watch; 15th April 2019

Bhartiya Janata Party leader Maneka Gandhi censured for violating poll code. Watch video to know more

Maneka Gandhi censured for violating poll code

The Election Commission today cracks the whip on leaders for making communal remarks for attracting voters. Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath can't campaign for some upcoming days. Watch video to know more.

Yogi Adityanath can't campaign for next 3 days, EC orders on leaders making communal remarks

In this segment of India Election Watch, how leading political parties just shifted their focus on South and eastern region. A major escalation in the pace of campaigns.

India Election Watch: Lok Sabha 2019 campaign heats up, parties shifts focus to South

In this segment of India Election Watch: In an interim order, the apex court directed all political parties to provide details of the amount of the bond and bank account of donors by May 30 to the poll panel. The question is; who funds Indian political parties and elections?

India Election Watch: Who funds India's elections?

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Lok Sabha Election 2019, News on Lok Sabha Election 2019, stories on Lok Sabha Election 2019, articles on Lok Sabha Election 2019, Lok Sabha Election 2019 stories at Wion, Lok Sabha Election 2019 news, Lok Sabha Election 2019 latest news

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Lok Sabha Election 2019: Largest phase of polling underway

Lok Sabha election 2019: Voter turnout figures as of 5pm

Lok sabha election 2019: Polling for 302 out of 543 seats to end

Lok Sabha Election 2019: BS Yeddyurappa confident of son's victory in Karnataka

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Voting for 302 out of 543 seats to end, 23.65% polling as of 11 AM IST

India Election Watch: Decoding BJP's strategy for East

India Election Watch: Congress releases the names of 6 candidates

India Election Watch; 22nd April 2019

Ex-PM Manmohan Singh backs NYAY, says no need for new taxes to finance the scheme

IEW: Will the BJP Sweep Gujarat ?

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In a democracy, good governance is not possible without good politics