LK Advani bats for compulsory voting

Amid the ongoing debate over electoral reforms, BJP leader LK Advani today batted for compulsory voting, saying it was not an impossible task to achieve.

He also supported the plans of the Election Commission to register all citizens of India as voters.

At the same time, Advani said the EC should ensure that all the registered voters also cast their ballot.

"What is more important is that the voting percentage should increase and if possible it should be near the cent per cent mark," he said.

"...I don't find compulsory or mandatory voting as something which is impossible in India...people have to be encouraged that they fulfil their responsibility towards democracy," he said at a flag hoisting ceremony at his residence on the occasion of the Republic Day.

He said while Right to Education is now a fundamental right, voting should be a fundamental responsibility of the citizens to ensure an honest administration.

The Chairman of the BJP Parliamentary Party said though the EC has an important role in electoral reforms, the state governments and political parties should also pitch in.

When asked whether BJP supported compulsory voting, Advani said "I have always been in favour...some of our (BJP-ruled) states have even passed laws in that regard though it has not received the assent of the (respective) Governors as yet."

Refusing to go into the issue of 'right to reject'where voters have a right to reject all candidates in fray, he was all praise for the Election Commission tableau at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath this morning.

The flag hoisting ceremony at the BJP leader's residence witnessed some anxious moments when the tricolour did not open due to a technical glitch which was later rectified.

The Law Ministry plans to call an all-party meeting on electoral reforms in the coming days. Its proposals on the issue include barring candidates against whom charges have been framed in cases of heinous crimes besides limited state funding of elections.