Published in The Hindu The CIC decision declaring political parties as public authorities under the RTI Act has again pit the political class against the people. Political parties have increasingly lost legitimacy due to opaque financing, cultivation of individuals with criminal background, subversion of institutions, and exposes of bipartisan scams and abuse of power. There is widespread perception of State capture by special interests and frustration with the inability to extract meaningful accountability through electoral means. It is thus that the public and media have hailed the decision bringing political parties under the ambit of the RTI Act as a blow for transparency and accountability. On the other hand political parties have largely rejected the decision and will no doubt attempt to block its implementation through judicial and/or legislative means. While political parties must indeed be held accountable, the CIC order merits a nuanced response wherein financial transparency must be separated from decision-making and other processes of a political party. It is also important to differentiate between political and legal accountability, and mechanisms to achieve both.
Politics In The Time of Sunshine
Politics In The Time of Sunshine
Politics In The Time of Sunshine
Published in The Hindu The CIC decision declaring political parties as public authorities under the RTI Act has again pit the political class against the people. Political parties have increasingly lost legitimacy due to opaque financing, cultivation of individuals with criminal background, subversion of institutions, and exposes of bipartisan scams and abuse of power. There is widespread perception of State capture by special interests and frustration with the inability to extract meaningful accountability through electoral means. It is thus that the public and media have hailed the decision bringing political parties under the ambit of the RTI Act as a blow for transparency and accountability. On the other hand political parties have largely rejected the decision and will no doubt attempt to block its implementation through judicial and/or legislative means. While political parties must indeed be held accountable, the CIC order merits a nuanced response wherein financial transparency must be separated from decision-making and other processes of a political party. It is also important to differentiate between political and legal accountability, and mechanisms to achieve both.