Money power in elections is cancer,says Moily

The bill,later passed by voice vote after the amendments were withdrawn by some members,envisages raising of security deposit amount to bar non-serious candidates from contesting polls.

Those with big money,who supported candidates in elections earlier,they themselves become candidates now,he said,adding that the money power may put democracy “in peril”.

“This is a cancer in the body of politics… we have to deal with it. We need to put a halt to it. We are all united to fight against such kind of forces,” Moily said.

The minister informed the House that he was in favour of bringing a bill to facilitate voting rights to Indian citizens who have gone abroad for employment or education.

“We would bring about that bill,which is being finalised. I need to discuss this with my colleagues and bring the bill in this session,” he said.

On members’ query about delay in disposal of election petitions,Moily said,”this is a matter of worry. We need to discuss with the judiciary.”

He said he was prepared to bring about a mandated law to limit the time frame in order to dispose of such cases expeditiously.