It refers to political crisis now in Nagaland where state-governor PB Acharya has desired state Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu to take a floor test and prove his majority in the face of TR Zeliang claiming he had more MLAs on his side. Such happenings have become quite common in Indian politics.
To prevent Horse-Trading of MLAs through corrupt means, and to ensure full-terms of these state-assemblies, Chief Ministers in these two states should be elected through secret and compulsory votes of all members of respective legislative assemblies (MLAs) through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on nominations signed by at least 34-percent MLAs. Members not participating in the democratic process of electing Chief Ministers may lose voting-right in the assembly even though retaining membership. Rather Speakers and Deputy Speakers may also be elected in the same manner simultaneously with Chief Minister. Such elected persons may only be removed through no-confidence motions passed in the same manner but with a condition to name alternate leader in the same motion.
This is only a modified version of the formula once adopted in UP assembly on directions of Supreme Court in the matter -UP government (Kalyansingh) vs Jagdambipal-. If the experiment is found successful, then it can be adopted in electing Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of all states. It is also the only way for paving dream-idea of holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas.
MADHU AGRAWAL