New Delhi: Several members in the Lok Sabha today pitched for making voting compulsory, saying that such a move would help curb corruption and instances of electorate being influenced through illegal means during elections.
The views were expressed during a discussion on a private member's bill on compulsory voting.
Noting that many people are not exercising their voting rights, BJP's Harish Dwivedi said exercise of franchise should be made compulsory in the country as it would ensure that good people are elected.
Making voting compulsory would also help curb illegal activities used to influence the electorate during elections, he added in the House whose proceedings are being boycotted by Congress and several other opposition parties.
Chandra Prakash Joshi (BJP) supported the bill and said compulsory voting should be strictly implemented as it will help in bringing good politicians and eliminate corruption.
Compulsory voting would also help in eliminating dynasty politics, he noted.
Konda Vishweshwar Reddy (TRS), said several countries have made voting compulsory and India too should do that.
"Few are saying that it will restrict freedom of people. How does it restrict?... Some people raise the issue of accessibility of voting booths. Now it is no longer a problem. Now voting is accessible in very nook and corner of the country. It is now a timer to re-think," he said.
BJP's Ramesh Chander Kaushik said whichever government comes to power should have the full mandate of the people and in this regard compulsory voting is important.
He suggested that various benefits provided by the government should be extended only to those who vote.
"Compulsory voting can change the system. If we will link it to Aadhar number, a person can vote from any part of the country. A committee should discuss the issue," he added.
