People's Democracy

On State Funding Of Elections

Following is the text of the letter written by CPI(M) general secretary, Prakash Karat to chief election commissioner, B B Tandon on February 07, 2006 delineating the views of the CPI(M) regarding the proposals on State funding of elections.  

IT is a fact that the high cost of elections and the use of unaccountable money power is polluting the electoral process. The present proposals for providing rent-free accommodation and rent-free telephones for the political parties’ headquarters and the partial State funding of elections cannot curb the abuse of money power. The candidates and political parties which spend huge amounts in elections can continue to spend in addition to what they receive from the State exchequer. Under the present set-up, these proposals for partial funding, if implemented, will end up subsidising those who are already spending huge unaccounted money. The expenditure on partial State funding will be an unnecessary and heavy burden on both the central and state governments. 
We are of the view that appropriate and effective measures should be taken to ensure that the expenditure of the candidates are within the limits fixed. The present practice of giving time in television and radio can be extended to private cable television network and electronic media. Facilities like some space arrangements for candidates’ camps at each polling station can be provided. 
 
We are not in favour of the present proposals made by the union cabinet.