Despite the fact that candidates of political parties have taken a pledge at religious places and have also signed an affidavit that they will not defect from the party if they win the elections, nothing can be taken for granted. The pledge and the affidavit could be just an eye-wash in order to garner votes. There is probably nothing that can stop elected MLAs from changing their party affiliation post the results. The lure and enticement for defection could be too strong to be ignored. There could be monetary benefits and promises of a plum position in the new government which may even be in the form of a ministerial berth. Many defectors don’t even consult the voters before leaving the parent party. Where does all this development leave the electorate? It is an insult to the mandate. Voters could be just silent spectators to the political events unfolding before them. There is probably nothing much they can do up until the next election where too the script may be replayed. Citizens need to have a way to tackle this issue of defection which is growing like cancer.
