Congress questions practicality of voting bill passed by Gujarat

The Congress party on Tuesday questioned the practicality of the bill, which makes voting in local body polls compulsory, passed by Gujarat Governor O.P. Kohli.

Former Gujarat Congress president Arjun Modhwadia challenged the feasibility of punishing a large section of offenders.

"Sometimes people don't cast their votes. Sometimes 70 percent, sometimes 50 percent. So, in that case will you be able to put these many people behind the bars and do you have the constitutional right to do so. And if so, is it sane to do so," said Modhwadia.

Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Jay Panda also raised his objection to the bill.

"I think it's a good idea to motivate people to come to vote. We must ensure that as many citizens can vote. Regarding the law, there are countries that have such laws such as Australia. Now in Indian condition, I think we also have to look at the practicality because sometimes a well-intentioned law also may be difficult to implement, and yes we have to consider what are the implications of somebody not voting," Panda said.

Former Gujarat minister Jai Narayan Vyas, however, said every citizen must exercise their franchise.

"Democracy is by the people, for the people, of the people. By the people is only possible when those who have right to vote must elect their government. The objective behind passing the bill is good," said Vyas.

"Gujarat is the first state in the country to have passed the bill. So, we will have to see how will it be implemented and the rules that come into being. Only then the details can be discussed," he added.

Gujarat became the first state to make it mandatory for voters to exercise their franchise in the local body elections. As per the bill, any person who fails to vote during local body elections is liable for punishment.