Question

What do you understand by 'Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram'?

Hint:

Remember: “Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram” originated in Haryana (1967) with MLA Gaya Lal and directly led to the Anti-Defection Law of 1985.

Answer 1

The expression “Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram” is a famous phrase in Indian politics that represents the problem of frequent political defections. It is used to describe legislators who frequently change their party affiliations for personal benefit, such as gaining power, position, or monetary incentives, without concern for ideology or public interest.
Origin:
- The term originated in the state of Haryana in 1967.
- A legislator named Gaya Lal changed his political party three times within a single day.
- Rao Birender Singh, a senior politician, mocked this behavior with the words “Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram”, which quickly became a popular political phrase.
Meaning and Context:
- “Aaya Ram” literally means “he came into a party,” and “Gaya Ram” means “he left the party.”
- It highlights the culture of opportunism in Indian politics, where elected representatives prioritize self-interest over loyalty or service to the people.
Impact on Indian Politics:
1. It caused political instability, as frequent defections made it difficult to maintain stable governments in states.
2. It led to horse-trading, where MLAs and MPs were lured with money, ministerial posts, or other benefits to switch parties.
3. It weakened public trust in democracy, as voters felt betrayed when their elected representatives shifted parties.
Reform – Anti-Defection Law:
- To control this malpractice, the Indian Parliament passed the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, introducing the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law.
- This law disqualifies legislators if they defect from the party on whose ticket they were elected, with some exceptions such as mergers.
Conclusion:
Thus, “Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram” is symbolic of the menace of political defections in India. It reflects how short-term personal interests damaged democratic stability. The Anti-Defection Law was introduced as a direct response to this phenomenon, ensuring accountability and reducing opportunism in politics.