Sir — There are innumerable instances of sitting MPs contesting Assembly elections and vice-versa. This leads to vacancies and subsequent by-elections. The present system brings a heavy financial burden on the public exchequer. The contesting sitting MPs and MlAs are least worried about the result of the election because, even if such MPs and MlAs suffer defeat, they will be holding their earlier seats.
A suitable amendment must be moved to bar sitting MPs and MlAs from contesting an election. Aspirants should decide to play their role at the national or the State level before they think of contesting elections. At the very least, if an MP wants to contest an Assembly election or an MlA wants to represent a constituency in Parliament, he or she must first quit the post they hold.