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Governor vs. speaker suits every party at one time or the
Devolution of the political crisis into It becomes discernible other.
a constitutional crisis in Madhya
Pradesh has brought into sharp focus from multiple media Way ForWard
the need for clear delineation of the reports that Madhya In their mad rush to grab power
constitutional powers and propriety by hook or crook, political parties
of the actions of the Governor and Pradesh’s unit of BJP of all hues have reduced democracy
Speaker of the State Assembly. In the is faction-ridden. One and democratic institutions to a
case of Madhya Pradesh, Speaker’s mockery.
refusal to accede to the request of faction is headed by Frequent incidents of defection
the BJP to conduct floor test on the of elected representatives through
very inaugural day of the Budget former CM Shivraj the lure of money and power has
Session and adjourning the Assem- Singh Chouhan and made anti-defection law virtually
bly till March 26 and the subsequent redundant.
action of the governor to conduct another group is For gaining hold on power, political
floor test and Speaker’s refusal to do headed by Narottam parties are prepared o go to any extent
so brought to the fore constitutional and by doing so these parties are doing
crisis in the state. Mishra. And with the disservice not only to the nation but
As per media reports, the Congress joining of Jyotiraditya to their cause as well because what A
leaders in MP argued that invoking does to B today then B will repay A in
Article 175 (2) of Constitution by the Scindia along with the same coin.
state Governor calling for a floor test his supporters, And in the entire process ultimate
rendered it a recommendation not a victim is the electorate whose faith
direction and the final authority in this the possibility of and trust in parties gets eroded. Can
regard was vested with the Speaker the parties ensure non-recurrence
and not the governor. another rival group of MP or Karnataka style episodes?
Viewed in a broad spectrum, the headed either by Perhaps not, because in this game of
entire sequence of events occurring in throne, it is the throne that is accorded
MP was on the same pattern that took Vasundhraraje Scindia priority and not the means to win the
place in Karnataka last year where or Jyotiraditya Scindia game.
the MLAs resigned, Speaker procrasti-
nated on their resignation application, cannot be ruled out letters@tehelka.com
Governor’s direction to the
Speaker to conduct floor test
was ignored and finally the
intervention of the Supreme
Court settled the issue.
Same sequence of events
has been replicated in MP as
well.
It devolves on the apex
court to set the record straight
once and for all because recur-
rence of such events
will continue to rule the
roost in the deteriorating
democratic institutions and
traditions under the given
circumstances.
Allegiance of the governor
or the speaker to the party in
power or to the Constitution is
a big question mark to which
no political party is serious
enough to resolve because it

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