Parliament Debates ‘Right to Recall’: AAP’s Raghav Chadha Says Voters Should Be Able to Remove Non‑Performing MPs, MLAs

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha has urged Parliament to consider introducing a ‘Right to Recall’ mechanism, arguing that Indian voters should have the power to remove elected representatives before the end of their five‑year term if they fail to perform.

New Delhi| February 12, 2026:During the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, AAP’s Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha raised the issue of the Right to Recall during Zero Hour, stressing that while citizens have the constitutional right to elect their MPs and MLAs, there is currently no formal legal process for them to be de‑elected mid‑term for non‑performance or misconduct. He said such a system would encourage accountability and give voters greater control over their representatives.

Chadha highlighted that more than two dozen democracies, including the United States, Canada and Switzerland, have some form of recall provision that allows voters to initiate the removal of elected officials before the end of their term. He questioned why Indian voters should be forced to wait a full five years if they are dissatisfied with an elected leader’s performance, pointing out that other constitutional provisions such as impeachment of the President, Vice‑President and judges, and no‑confidence motions against governments already allow removal of office holders mid‑term.

Under the model proposed by Chadha, Right to Recall would empower voters to de‑elect an MP or MLA if they fail to discharge their duties effectively. He also suggested several safeguards to prevent misuse of the mechanism: a minimum 18‑month lock‑in period after elections before recall can be initiated, a verified petition supported by at least 35–40 % of voters, and a requirement that more than 50 % of voters must support the recall in a final vote for it to succeed.

Chadha described the idea not as a tool to target politicians, but as an “insurance for democracy” that would compel parties to nominate more accountable candidates and strengthen overall democratic oversight. While the proposal was aired during parliamentary proceedings, details on whether formal legislation will be introduced or how it would be implemented nationally remain to be seen.

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