Origin of Whip System, Types and Global Practices

Context: Recently Vice President Mr.  Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the use of party whips, arguing they restrict MPs’ freedom of expression and enforce party servility.

Origin of Whip System

• The term “whip” originates from the hunting fields of England, where a “whipper-in” would bring straying hounds back into the pack.
• The term was later adopted in politics by Edmund Burke, who referred to it in the context of gathering followers to support the King’s ministers.

About Whip System in India

• The whip system has been a part of India’s parliamentary history since the country’s independence.
• This post is neither mentioned in the rules of houses nor in the constitution. It owes its origin to parliamentary conventions.
• They are appointed by respective political parties.
• The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs is the Chief Whip of Government.

Function

• The whip ensures attendance and party-line voting during critical votes in Parliament, especially when a division (counting votes) is held on matters crucial to the party’s agenda.
• Violating a whip, particularly a strict three-line whip, can lead to disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.

Check here: Functions of Whip

Types of Whips

• One-Line Whip: Informs MPs about a vote but allows abstention.
• Two-Line Whip: Directs MPs to be present but does not instruct on how to vote.
• Three-Line Whip: Requires MPs to be present and vote strictly according to the party line. This is the most commonly used whip and has the strictest enforcement.

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