WHIP: POLITY

WHIP: POLITY

NEWS: What is the whip system that Jagdeep Dhankhar wants abolished, how it came to be adopted

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the whip system for restricting MPs' freedom of expression. The whip system, though not constitutionally mandated, enforces party discipline, ensuring MPs vote in line with party decisions, but faces criticism for suppressing individual choice and democratic debate.

 

What is a Whip?

  • A whip is a formal instruction issued by a political party to its members in the legislature, directing them on how to vote on specific issues.
  • It ensures that party members vote in line with the party’s official position, maintaining discipline and unity.

 

Origin of the Term

  • The term originates from the British hunting tradition, where a “whipper-in” was responsible for keeping hounds in line during a hunt.
  • In politics, the term was popularized by Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish statesman, who used it metaphorically to describe the process of ensuring party members attend and vote as directed.

 

2. History and Evolution of the Whip System in India

Adoption from British Parliament

  • India adopted the whip system from the British parliamentary system, where it has been a long-standing convention.
  • It was introduced in India to ensure party discipline and efficient functioning of the legislature.

 

Constitutional and Legal Status

  • The whip system is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India, the Rules of Procedure of the House, or any Parliamentary Statute.
  • It operates based on parliamentary conventions and the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule of the Constitution), which was added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985.

 

3. Types of Whips and Their Implications

One-Line Whip

  • Description: A mild instruction, underlined once, informing members about an upcoming vote.
  • Flexibility: Members can abstain from voting if they choose not to follow the party line.
  • Purpose: Acts as a notification rather than a strict directive.

 

Two-Line Whip

  • Description: A stronger instruction, underlined twice, directing members to be present during the vote.
  • Flexibility: Members must attend but are not strictly bound to vote in a particular way.
  • Purpose: Ensures attendance while allowing some individual discretion.

 

Three-Line Whip

  • Description: The strictest form of whip, underlined three times, used during critical votes like no-confidence motions or money bills.
  • Obligation: Members must attend and vote in line with the party’s decision.
  • Consequences: Violation can lead to disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.
  • Purpose: Ensures strict party discipline during crucial parliamentary decisions.

 

4. Enforcement of the Whip System

Key Roles in Enforcement

  1. Chief Whip:
    • The senior-most whip responsible for ensuring party members adhere to the party line.
    • Acts as a bridge between the party leadership and its members in the legislature.
  1. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs:
    • Acts as the government’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha.
    • Coordinates with leaders of ruling alliance parties to issue whips during critical votes.
  1. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs:
    • Performs a similar role in the Rajya Sabha.
  1. Additional Whips:
    • Assist the chief whip in managing party discipline and ensuring member compliance.

 

5. Significance of the Whip System

Ensures Party Unity

  • The whip system is crucial for maintaining the strength and unity of ruling parties or coalitions, especially during critical votes like no-confidence motions or budget approvals.

 

 

Promotes Legislative Efficiency

  • Helps in the smooth passage of important legislation, particularly when the ruling party has a thin majority.

 

Enforces Party Ideology

  • Ensures that MPs vote in line with the party’s policies and ideologies, preventing dissent and maintaining a cohesive legislative agenda.

 

Prevents Defections

  • The Anti-Defection Law, coupled with the whip system, discourages MPs from switching parties or voting against their party’s stance.

 

6. Criticisms of the Whip System

Suppresses Individual Freedom

  • Critics argue that the whip system undermines the freedom of conscience of MPs, forcing them to vote against their personal beliefs or constituency interests.

 

Undemocratic Practices

  • The system promotes political conformity over healthy debate and individual decision-making, which are essential for a vibrant democracy.

 

Increased Political Pressure

  • MPs face undue pressure to comply with party directives, fearing disciplinary actions like suspension or expulsion.

 

Erosion of Regional Representation

  • MPs may be compelled to prioritize party interests over the needs of their constituents, leading to a disconnect between elected representatives and the public.

 

7. All-India Whips Conference

Purpose and Objectives

  • The All-India Whips Conference is a platform for whips from different parties to discuss strategies and improve parliamentary functioning.
  • Organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, it aims to:
    1. Facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences.
    2. Improve parliamentary efficiency and discipline.
    3. Build consensus on procedural matters and legislative processes.

 

Historical Context

  • The conference has been held since 1952, reflecting the importance of the whip system in India’s parliamentary democracy.

 

8. Relevance of the Whip System in Modern Politics

Challenges in Coalition Governments

  • In coalition governments, the whip system becomes even more critical to ensure coordination among alliance partners and maintain stability.

 

Role in Anti-Defection Law

  • The whip system is closely linked to the Anti-Defection Law, which disqualifies MPs for:
  • Voluntarily giving up party membership.
  • Voting against the party whip in critical matters.

 

Balancing Discipline and Democracy

  • While the whip system ensures party discipline, there is a growing need to balance it with individual freedom and democratic debate.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/jagdeep-dhankhar-parliament-whip-system-9800118/