Perhaps it is time for an Ombudsman to check on Manifestoes and their fulfilment
By K Raveendran
The Indian election season is a vibrant spectacle. Rallies thrum with energy, multi-coloured flags flutter, and manifestos lay out grand visions for the future. Yet, beneath the celebratory veneer lies a troubling question: are these promises merely a game of rhetoric, with little chance of translation into reality? Maybe, it is time to institutionalise an ombudsman for election promises – a mechanism to hold parties accountable for the feasibility and follow-through on their pledges.
The need for such checks and balances is particularly stark in the face of the increasingly ambitious promises doled out by both BJP and opposition Congress. In the 2019 elections, the BJP promised to double farmers' income by 2022, a target widely acknowledged by experts as unrealistic. Congress, on the other hand, pledged a minimum income guarantee scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) – a social welfare program with significant budgetary implications.
While these promises capture the imagination of the electorate, there's a crucial absence: accountability. Currently, there exists no mechanism to assess the veracity or feasibility of poll promises. Political parties craft manifestos with impunity, knowing the likelihood of being held to account is minimal. This lack of consequence breeds a culture of empty rhetoric, where promises morph into convenient talking points rather than concrete plans.
The Election Commission of India is often cited as the potential guardian against outlandish promises. However, the ECI's role is primarily restricted to conducting fair polls and enforcing the Model Code of Conduct, a set of guidelines for campaigning. It lacks the authority to vet manifesto promises, leaving them largely unchecked.
Further limiting the ECI's efficacy is the absence of a robust mechanism to track the fulfilment of promises after elections. Manifestos often gather dust after the celebratory confetti settles, with no systematic follow-up or evaluation of their implementation. This lack of follow-through weakens the very idea of democratic accountability. The Modi government has implemented a certain type of poll promises, but these were mainly meant to pursue a divisive agenda rather than promote inclusive democratic progress.
The call for an ombudsman stems from this lacuna. Proponents envision an independent body with the power to scrutinize manifesto promises for feasibility and financial viability. The ombudsman could also track the progress of promised schemes after elections, issuing periodic reports to the public and the ECI.
Such a system would inject much-needed transparency and bring some teeth to the promise game. Political parties would be incentivized to craft realistic and achievable goals, knowing they would be subject to scrutiny. Voters, empowered by the ombudsman's reports, could make more informed choices at the ballot box.
Opponents of the ombudsman proposal raise concerns about stifling innovation and micromanaging political discourse. They argue that manifesto-writing is an inherent part of the democratic process, and voters have the capacity to discern realistic promises from mere bluster.
However, these concerns belie the current reality. The existing system, devoid of accountability, allows for fantastical promises that ultimately erode public trust in the political process. An ombudsman would not stifle innovation; it would instead encourage parties to be more creative and responsible in crafting their agendas.
An ombudsman would also not stifle political discourse. Healthy debate about policy options is a cornerstone of democracy. The ombudsman's role would be to ensure that this debate is grounded in reality, not mirages of unrealistic promises.
The path forward requires careful consideration. The ombudsman's powers and limitations would need to be clearly defined to avoid infringing on the legitimate right of parties to present their visions. Perhaps a consultative approach could be adopted, where the ombudsman advises parties on the feasibility of their promises and flags potential red flags.
Ultimately, the creation of an ombudsman is a step towards strengthening Indian democracy. It would empower voters, incentivize responsible campaigning, and foster a culture of accountability where promises translate into concrete action. In the vibrant tapestry of Indian elections, the ombudsman could play a vital role in ensuring that promises are not mere ornaments, but the cornerstones of a better future.
(IPA Service)
