Venkaiah Naidu Advocates Stronger Anti-Defection Law, Warns Against Freebie Culture

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for stricter enforcement of the Anti-Defection Law and proposed amendments to the 10th Schedule of the Constitution to make it more robust. Speaking at a function where a book on him was released, Naidu expressed concern over the growing trend of elected representatives switching parties and suggested a clear timeline for disqualification proceedings.

Naidu stated that the disqualification process should be triggered within three months of a legislator changing parties. He noted that defections have become increasingly common, with leaders competing to move between parties. Referring to past instances during his tenure as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he mentioned cases such as those of C.M. Ramesh, Sujana Chowdary, and T.G. Venkatesh, saying he did not appreciate such developments even then.

The former Vice-President pointed out that in Telangana, several petitions related to defections by MLAs remain pending before the Speaker. He expressed his personal view that it is wrong for any political party to encourage defections.

Naidu also criticised what he described as a growing tendency among political parties to promise 'freebies' without fiscal prudence. He urged governments to assess their financial position before making such commitments. He highlighted that some governments struggle to arrange funds for salaries by the 1st of each month after the 20th, questioning why additional schemes that strain finances are announced when states depend on central funds.

He noted that both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are facing financial stress and called on political leaders to explain how funds for welfare schemes would be mobilised before making announcements. Naidu questioned the necessity of certain schemes, citing free bus travel for women and whether such measures are sustainable for public transport systems. He asked whether Road Transport Corporations can survive under such conditions, especially when there is talk of extending free travel to men in another state.

Emphasising that the public seeks better governance rather than free schemes, Naidu stated that what is required is quality education, accessible healthcare, and improved living standards for the poor.

The event was attended by Odisha Governor K. Haribabu, Tripura Governor N. Indrasena Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, among others.