political system: Varun GandhiHyderabad, Oct 13 (PTI) BJP MP Varun Gandhi todaystressed on the need to infuse fresh blood from non-politicalbackgrounds into the Indian political system.
Delivering a lecture on 'Political Reforms in India' atthe NALSAR University of Law here, Varun Gandhi acknowledgedthat his surname had made it possible for him to gain afoothold in politics.
He added that structural changes were needed to ensurethat young individuals from different social and economicbackgrounds were able to effectively participate in publicaffairs.
"The most important thing is to make Parliament a placeof policy and not a space for politics. For too long in ourcountry, inclusive politics has only been about religion,region and caste.
"So, we need to have different voices in Parliament andpolitics. We need labour activists, NGOs, agriculturists,artisans and lawyers. In fact, we have too many lawyers," hesaid.
The BJP MP also admitted that the politicians were hardlyaccountable to anyone.
"Let's be honest, the political class is hardlyaccountable to anyone. In India, we do not really know whatour leaders represent. In Argentina, even for a local (public)representative, you have compulsory electoral debates whichare broadcast on television.
"You get to know the calibre of the leader, what he knowsand what he does not," Varun Gandhi said.
"I would be honest today, if all the constituencies inIndia could quiz their leaders, a lot of people who aregetting elected would not get elected...that is something tothink about," he added.
The BJP MP further said in England, if one lakh peoplepetitioned on a particular issue, there would have to be adebate on it in Parliament and if 10,000 people petitioned,the government had to issue a written reply.
"We should have this in India...may be, we can have amillion. If 10 lakh people petition on an issue, I think (it)has merits to warrant a discussion in Parliament," he said.
In India, names opened doors, Varun Gandhi said andadded, "My name is Feroze Varun Gandhi. Let's be honest...Ifmy name was Feroze Varun Shukla or Ahmed or Reddy orwhatever...would I have become a parliamentarian at (the ageof) 28 or 29...No. Would I have got a ticket...No. Would Ihave been invited here to speak...probably not.""Let's be honest. In India, names open doors. The realchallenge for our politics today is that we need fresh bloodfrom non-political backgrounds, based on ability, vision andcourage," he said, adding that most of the youngsters inIndian politics were children of present and former leaders.
"If we make all information transparent in India, we willhave an almost corruption-free system. How can we makepolitical systems more equitable and accessible is thechallenge of our times," the BJP MP said.
He also spoke about the need for inclusive politics,where those who hold power should also reach out to theirelectoral competitors and consult them in order to serve thevoters better. PTI VVK RMTRC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.