• UGI USER
  • Mar 01, 2024
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ON CROSS-VOTING IN RAJYA SABHA ELECTIONS

Why in the news?

  • Recent incidents of cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections, notably in Himachal Pradesh, have sparked concerns about election integrity.
  • Use of open ballot and clarification on Tenth Schedule applicability prompt debate.
source:medium

About Indirect Election Process for Rajya Sabha:

  • Article 80 of the Constitution mandates the indirect election of Rajya Sabha representatives by State Legislative Assembly members.
  • Each state’s representatives are chosen by the elected members of their respective Legislative Assembly.
  • Previously, Rajya Sabha elections often resulted in unopposed victories until cross-voting incidents disrupted the process.
What is Cross-voting in Rajya Sabha?

“Crossing the floor” in politics refers to a politician changing their party allegiance, either by joining a different party post-election or voting against their party’s directives.

●   It involves MPs or MLAs voting contrary to their party’s directives.

●   For instance, if a Congress MLA votes for a BJP candidate in a Rajya Sabha election, it’s termed as cross-voting.

About Concept of ‘Open Ballot’ system in Rajya sabha during the election

●   Rule 39AA of Conduct of Election Rules mandates open ballot in Rajya Sabha elections.

●   MLAs show marked ballots to party reps; deviation invalidates votes.

●   Independent MLAs are exempt; the system aims to deter corruption.