Lok Sabha Elections: Do You Care About Your MP’s Performance?
A Study Reveals Shortcomings of Karnataka’s MPs
Newsreel Asia Insight #198
April 21, 2024
Amid heated political debates and the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a study by a civil society group has shed light on the underperformance of Karnataka’s Members of Parliament (MPs), providing a crucial lens through which to view the conduct of our elected representatives over the last five years, and thereby helping us make better voting decisions.
The study by the group Samvidanada Hadiyalli, which involved social scientists A.R. Vasavi and Janaki Nair, is significant given that political parties and candidates often resort to emotive issues around religion and caste to divert voters’ attention from their shortcomings in governance. By bringing objective data into the conversation, the study acts as a critical tool to help voters focus on tangible measures of parliamentary performance.
The analysis, as reported by The New Indian Express, revealed that the majority of Karnataka’s MPs underperformed during their term. It evaluated their attendance in Parliament, the number of questions asked, participation in key debates and their performance in their constituencies. The survey found that the average attendance of all Karnataka MPs stood at 71%, which raises concerns about their commitment to parliamentary duties.
Several other notable findings emerged from the report. Former Chief Minister and Bangalore North MP D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi, and Vijaypur MP Ramesh Jigajinagi never asked a single question in the House. Anant Kumar Hegde from Uttara Kannada, along with Gowda, Joshi and Jigajinagi, also failed to participate in any debates except to express thanks to the President.
The survey looked at the efforts of a few MPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. D.K. Suresh (Bangalore Rural) and Pralhad Joshi provided substantial support to their constituents during this challenging time, demonstrating their ability to act when it mattered most.
MPs represent the interests, concerns, and views of their constituents in Parliament. This involves understanding the needs and aspirations of the people they represent. MPs participate in drafting, debating and voting on laws that affect the entire country, ensuring that the legislation aligns with the interests of their constituents.
MPs must also address individual and community issues, engage with local stakeholders and act as a bridge between the constituency and government bodies. MPs should hold constituency surgeries or meetings to listen to residents’ concerns.
MPs should also raise questions in Parliament regarding issues affecting their constituencies, such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and public services.
Further, through the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) or similar programmes, MPs can recommend funds for development projects in their constituencies, like roads, schools and other public infrastructure.
Furthermore, MPs must maintain regular contact with their constituents, participate in local events and remain accessible to their electorate.
The study assessing the performance of Karnataka’s MPs should be expanded to every state and Union territory in India. These kinds of reports are essential because they offer clear, objective measures for evaluating how well our representatives are fulfilling their responsibilities. By providing concrete data, they help to cut through political distractions and enable voters to gauge the effectiveness of their elected officials. This can become a powerful means of holding politicians accountable and ensuring that public service remains at the forefront of their agenda.
As political campaigns gather momentum, it’s crucial for voters to remain vigilant against distractions that shift focus away from the core issues of governance and performance.