Lure of Presidential System

Context: The debate in India about the transition to presidential system arises on account of infirmities of the parliamentary system.

Factors Invoking Need of Presidential System

• Emergence of populist and powerful leadership: with an all-India mass following, popularity, oratory and charisma seek presidential system for assuming absolute power.
  • For E.g. during Indira Gandhi's Prime Ministership efforts were made for switching over to presidential system to perpetuate her rule.
• Weaknesses and deficiencies of the parliamentary system:
  • Political configuration and complete polarisation pave the way for a presidential system.
  • Parliament must commissions a critical study of its functioning by stakeholders and experts and act on it.
• More suited to India: Indian voter will be able to vote directly for the individual he or she wants to be ruled by;
  • President will truly be able to claim to speak for a majority of Indians rather than a majority of Member of Parliaments (MPs).

Arguments against invoking the presidential system in India:

• Violates the basic structure of constitution: The Supreme Court has declared Presidential System as the basic structure of the constitution.
• Example of America hardly inspires confidence:
  • The conduct of Trump, particularly after the defeat, raised doubts about the peaceful transfer of power to the successor.
  • Gross misuse of power by granting pardon to party mates and raised question about the rule of law.
  • Tussle between the legislature and President: Trump was reluctant in the signing of the pandemic aid and spending package Bill, approved by Congress and the Senate.
• Low accountability and transparency: In these terms, the parliamentary system is any day better, and One wonders who represents the US voters — the legislature or the President.

Conclusion: If the presidential system is adopted, then we will lose even the pretence of being a democracy hence Parliamentary system is better and more suited to India.