Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has strongly advocated the introduction of a “Right to Recall” mechanism in India, enabling voters to remove non-performing Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) before the completion of their five-year term.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha argued that India’s current electoral system lacks sufficient accountability and performance evaluation for elected representatives.
Highlighting what he termed a key flaw in the system, Chadha remarked, “Before the election, the leader is after the public, and after the election, the public is after the leader.” He contended that in today’s fast-paced world, a five-year term is too long if an ineffective leader is elected, as it can negatively impact lakhs of citizens and entire regions.
Describing the Right to Recall as an “insurance for democracy” rather than a political weapon, Chadha said voters should have the power to correct their choices if representatives fail to deliver. He pointed out that the Indian constitutional framework already provides removal mechanisms for high offices — such as the impeachment of the President, removal of the Vice President and judges, and no-confidence motions against governments — questioning why similar accountability should not apply to MPs and MLAs.
Drawing international comparisons, Chadha noted that recall provisions exist in over 24 democracies, including countries like Canada and Switzerland. He cited the 2003 recall of California Governor Gray Davis, when 1.3 million voters signed a petition amid an energy crisis and budget concerns, leading to his removal after 55 percent voter approval in a special election.
Within India, Raghav Chadha referenced existing recall provisions at the grassroots level, where gram panchayat representatives in states such as Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan can be removed through gram sabha votes.
To prevent misuse, Chadha proposed safeguards including a minimum performance period of 18 months before initiating recall proceedings, clearly defined grounds for removal, and a high approval threshold — such as at least 50 percent voter support in a recall vote.
He asserted that introducing such a system would compel political parties to field more capable candidates, eliminate “non-performing assets,” strengthen democratic maturity, and empower citizens with ongoing control over their elected representatives.
