(a) whether the influence of money power in parliamentary and assembly
polls is on the rise in the country;
(b) if so, whether the Election Commission has also suggested some
measures to control the same;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the action taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in replies to parts (a) to (d) of the Lok Sabha
Starred Question No.103 for answer on the 3rd March, 2011
(a) to (d): The Government and the Election Commission of India is seriously
concerned about the growing influence of Money Power in Parliamentary an
Assembly Elections. The Election Commission held a meeting on 4th October 2010,
with recognized National and State Political Parties to discuss issues related
to use of Money Power etc. in elections. On the issue, the Commission informed
the participants about the various measures taken by it to control the use of
money power in recently held Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections, 2010 and
simultaneous Bye- election to Banka Parliamentary Constituency. Such measures
including opening of separate division in the Election Commission to oversee
election expenditure, appointment of Expenditure Observers and Expenditure Micro
Observers, Flying squads to keep vigil over movement of cash, liquor and other
items during elections, Media Monitoring Cell to watch media advertisements and
paid news, Maintenance of Shadow Observation Register of each candidate by the
Accounting team, Video Viewing Team and Surveillance Team to oversee major items
of expenditure, opening of separate bank account by the candidate for the
purpose of election expenses and involving of Income Tax Department were
appreciated by the Political Parties. Considering the impact of the monitoring
mechanism of Election Expenditure and receiving useful feedbacks in the Bihar
Assembly Election, 2010, the Election Commission has decided to implement the
same mechanism with greater thrust in the forthcoming General Elections to the
Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tami Nadu and Puducherry
taking into consideration the state specific requirements in dealing with the
menace of money power.