Saturday 14 January 2012

Helps Rejuvenate Democratic Polity in TN

It was 1986. ADMK was the ruling party in Tamil Nadu. Kalaignar was a member of the Legislative Council. However Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was in power in majority of the local bodies. Consequently it was apprehended that there was every chance of DMK gaining upper hand in the Legislative Council. The government felt uneasy about this situation. When charges against ADMK government were vociferously raised in the Council, they decided to abolish the Legislative Council instead of facing the criticism in spite of disapproval and condemnation from all quarters. This was one and the only reason behind the abolition of the Council. Some people, of course, were telling that the ruling party could not accommodate an actress in the Council and took it as a personal insult.
 

It was said then that the Madras Legislative Council was abolished by the Union government on the basis of an ordinary letter to the then Prime Minister of India. A copy of recommending resolution was also not forwarded to the then Governor of Tamil Nadu. Kalaignar placed all these facts before the people. The Council was unceremoniously abolished on 1.11.1986.
Whenever the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came to power the government tried its best to recreate the council but in vain. Jayalalitha was vehemently bent upon thwarting DMK’s efforts for the recreation of the Council. Politics in Tamil Nadu and the atmosphere of the Delhi political arena were not conducive for the creation of the Council.
 

Whatever Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam contemplates to do in the interest of the people and society, the ADMK always opposes that, trying thereby to belittle DMK’s trustworthiness. Jayalalitha opposes every positive step taken by DMK without any rhyme or reason. This time also she tried to sabotage the passing of the resolution in the Assembly.
 

The bicameral system of having two legislative chambers is still followed in many countries including Britain and the United States. Indian Parliament too has two houses. Even now Legislative Councils are functioning in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh. The Council which is called Upper House is a permanent body. Its members hold office for six years. Once in two years, one third of the members of the Council will relinquish their office. When the Council was abolished, the number of members was 63. Earlier it was 78. Members for the Council are elected from different constituencies like local bodies, legislatures, graduates, teachers and Governor’s nominees.
 

While introducing the resolution, the Chief Minister Kalaignar recalled some of the instances aptly quoting a few exchange of views by veteran stalwarts who were members of that House when attempts were afoot to abolish the same. The composition of the Upper House comprises of men of letters, competent and experienced in different walks of life. Careful in their expressions with adroitness and equipoise, they had the ability to make sound decisions, form sensible opinions avoiding heat and throwing light on the subject of discussion. By virtue of their nature and character, they are amiable, calm and docile. Such persons have their own reservations in contesting General elections and opt for any position. Hence the people in the helm of affairs will identify such individuals with appropriate talents.
 

Now that the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution seeking permission by bringing an amendment to the Constitution to recreate the Legislative council for Tamil Nadu, it is hoped that the Government of India after fulfilling the attendant formalities will put its seal of approval for the early recreation of the Legislative Council for Tamil Nadu. It will help rejuvenate the democratic polity in Tamil Nadu.

(18-04-10)

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