Why do you think the above group of people is not involved in electing the President of India? Why are the common people not involved in the election of the president?
The groups excluded from electing the President — nominated members of Rajya Sabha, nominated members of State Legislative Assemblies, members of Legislative Councils, and nominated members of union territories — are not involved because they are not directly elected by the people.
Only directly elected representatives (MPs and MLAs) vote for the President to maintain democratic legitimacy. The President is meant to represent the will of the people indirectly but meaningfully.
Common people are not directly involved because India follows an indirect election system for the President through an Electoral College. This ensures that both central and state governments have a role in the selection while maintaining the principle that only directly elected representatives participate.
Explanation
The chapter explains that the President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of MPs from both houses and MLAs from states and union territories. The single transferable vote system is used. The chapter specifically states: 'It is because this ensures that only directly elected representatives vote to elect the President. This maintains democratic legitimacy, as the President is meant to represent the will of the people, indirectly but meaningfully.'
Solution Steps
Nominated members and Legislative Council members are excluded because they are not directly elected by the people
Only directly elected representatives (MPs and MLAs) vote to maintain democratic legitimacy
India follows an indirect election system through an Electoral College
This system ensures both central and state governments have a role in selecting the President