PNS|Vijayawada
Dr PV Ramesh, former Special Chief Secretary to the State government, has strongly advocated for comprehensive electoral reforms to protect and strengthen Indian democracy, which he warned is gradually deteriorating due to systemic flaws and increasing misuse of power.
Speaking as the chief guest at a media interaction programme on electoral reforms, organised by Jana Chaitanya Vedika at the Vijayawada Press Club, Dr Ramesh highlighted that while 151 of the world’s 200 nations are democracies, nearly 75 per cent of people in those nations are unable to effectively participate in democratic processes. Dr Ramesh pointed out that elections in India are being undermined by caste, religion, regionalism, money power, and alcohol inducements. He criticised political parties for making irresponsible promises of freebies in election manifestos—offers made without regard for State finances or long-term sustainability.
He lamented that party tickets are increasingly being given to wealthy individuals or those with influence through caste, muscle power, or criminal backgrounds, turning electoral democracy into a farce and excluding capable, common citizens from entering public life. Meanwhile, Dr Ramesh called for a proportional representation system to replace the current first-past-the-post model, arguing that governments being formed with as little as 33 per cent of the vote share weakens democratic legitimacy.
He also raised alarm over recent moves to exclude the Chief Justice of India from the process of selecting Election Commissioners, replacing him with the Union Home Minister. This, he argued, compromises the independence of the Election Commission of India and makes it vulnerable to political bias. To ensure free and fair elections, Dr. Ramesh proposed that President’s rule be imposed three months before elections, ensuring that the ruling party does not misuse government machinery during the campaign. “In the current scenario, the line between the government and the ruling party is dangerously blurred,” he remarked.
Emphasising the need for greater people’s participation in politics, Dr Ramesh urged political parties to practice internal democracy, encourage grassroots involvement, and promote transparency and accountability in both governance and electoral practices.
Jana Chaitanya Vedika State president Vallamreddy Lakshman Reddy coordinated the event and echoed the need for urgent reforms to restore faith in India’s democratic processes.
