On Aug 15, 2022, Prime Minister Modi stressed from the Red Fort that Corruption and Nepotism are still significant challenges to the country.

Let us look at the UK. Indians are keenly watching if Rishi Sunak- of Indian decent- will be becoming the Prime Minister of England or not. Currently, Rishi is busy undergoing Primary elections whereby contenders compete within their own party for votes from their party members. This system of primaries within parties gives a fair chance to every aspirant to take a shot at the intended goal. In the US presidential system, primaries (also called caucuses) are held and thus, the game is open to everyone. In other words, we call this phenomenon Inner Party Democracy.

In India, the concept of Inner Party Democracy is sorely missing. That is why we see sons, daughters, nephews, and even son in laws becoming powerful in the political parties.

I hope Mr Prime Minister takes follows up on this issue. The solutions are within his hands and readily available. For example:

• He can appeal to ECI (being an autonomous body) to take this issue up. No one can stop ECI if it puts out a diktat to political parties to set their house in order. ECI will surely listen to PM’s conscience.

• Parliament can take the issue of Inner Party democracy and bring about a law in this regard.

Equally important: The public keeps a follow-up on this issue and builds up pressure on all political parties to reform their system to achieve the goal of Inner Party Democracy (Aantrik LokTantr/ Swaraj).

Note: Just a decade back a nascent political party promised Inner Party Democracy /Swaraj. When ascended to power, it simply left the public in the lurch on this promise. As the public, let us not get disappointed by this bewafai. There is a lesson to be learned.