Seizures could be tip of an iceberg The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been actively cracking down on the misuse of money during
Seizures could be tip of an iceberg
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been actively cracking down on the misuse of money during the General Elections 2024. They have made a record seizure of over Rs. 4650 crores in inducements even before the first phase of polling began. This amount is significantly higher than the total seizures made during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019, which was Rs. 3475 crores. The seizures include a substantial amount of drugs and narcotics, accounting for 45% of the total, highlighting the ECI’s focus on combating the influence of money in elections.
The influence of “big money” on the electoral process in India is a significant concern. The Supreme Court of India has recently addressed this issue, striking down the Electoral Bonds scheme and highlighting the close association between politics and money. The court’s verdict emphasized the direct and indirect impact of financial contributions on electoral outcomes, such as vote-buying and funding extensive campaigns, which can create an uneven playing field for socio-economically weaker candidates and new political parties.
Furthermore, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are projected to be the most expensive in India’s history, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1.35 lakh crore, which is double the amount spent in 2019. This raises concerns about the role of personal wealth and party funding in influencing election results, despite money not being a guaranteed path to victory.
The nexus of money and politics in India’s electoral democracy is a complex issue that continues to shape the political landscape and the functioning of democracy in the country.
COMMENTS