This is an archive article published on February 25, 2023
Congress calls for national election fund, says electoral bonds ‘fully corrupt’
In its draft political resolution being discussed at the ongoing AICC plenary, party says: “During elections, funds will be allocated to political parties using transparent and fair criteria laid down by law.”
3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Feb 25, 2023 09:15 PM IST
The political resolution of the Congress also talked about electronic voting machines saying 14 recognised political parties have raised concerns on the efficacy of EVMs to the EC, but have not received any response so far. (PTI)
Congress calls for national election fund, says electoral bonds ‘fully corrupt’
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Arguing that funding through electoral bonds was “fatally flawed” and “fully corrupt”, the Congress on Saturday called for a contributory national election fund at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary in Raipur.
“The present system of electoral bonds is fatally flawed and fully corrupt. Congress will set up a national election fund to which all may contribute. During elections, funds will be allocated to political parties using transparent and fair criteria laid down by law,” the political resolution being discussed at the AICC plenary said.
The 1998 Indrajit Gupta Committee report, which is considered the starting point of all discussions on state funding, had suggested proposals for providing state funding to candidates of recognised political parties. The committee had argued that state funding was “fully justified constitutionally and legally”. It also suggested the need for creating a separate election fund to meet the expenses of conducting elections.
The Election Commission has, however, not been so favourable to the idea. “The Election Commission has informed the government that it is not in favour of state funding as it will not be able to prohibit or check candidates’ own expenditure or expenditure by others over and above that which is provided for by the state,” the government told Parliament in 2020.
The political resolution of the Congress also talks about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “More than 14 recognised political parties, several eminent activists, and computer scientists have raised concerns on the efficacy of EVMs to the Election Commission, but have not received any response so far. When voters lose faith in the integrity of the electoral process, especially EVMs, our democracy hollows from within. The Congress promises to restore the faith of every voter in the integrity of the electoral process. The Congress will build the widest possible consensus with all like-minded political parties to take up the issue with ECI, and if they do not respond, then go to Court,” it said.
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis.
The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage.
Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting.
Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics.
National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections.
Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital.
Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief.
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