The Hindu : Curb money and muscle power: CEC

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 14, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Curb money and muscle power: CEC

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, MARCH 13. Money and muscle power in the electoral system are "weapons of mass destruction" in a democracy, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), T.S. Krishnamurthy, said today.

The CEC appealed to the educated sections to cast their vote in the coming elections, for improving the quality of Indian democracy.

Addressing staff and students of the Loyola College here, the CEC said if the use of money and muscle power by political parties was not checked, there would be very little hope for democracy.

A lot of money was being wasted on unproductive items (as part of election funds) and legislation to curb this expenditure had not helped.The CEC said he was sad at the way democracy was functioning. "True, we have many parts to be proud of, in that we have had many scholarly and dedicated men...but the way in which some of the constitutional institutions are functioning I feel sad." Success in a democracy could come from good governance, which ultimately came from political participation by good people.

Noting that the quality of public as well as parliamentary debate had come down despite educational development, Mr. Krishnamurthy said that today people were hesitant even to register their names in the voter list or check the rolls regularly to see whether the names remained there. The urban elite was shunning from the practice of voting. It was a matter of concern that in urban areas, the turnout was less than 50 per cent.

"I appeal to the educated elite to go out and vote, as the future of the country depends on voting. If you cannot take an active role (in democracy) by voting, the participation of good candidates will come down. The quality of the people who actively participate in the country's democracy will also deteriorate."

Ultimately, the quality of democracy would have to improve for India to be recognised as a superpower. For this, more dedicated people had to take part in the democratic process, Mr. Krishnamurthy said.

Complaints against AIADMK

Later, when mediapersons asked him about the complaints made about personal remarks against the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, in the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) manifesto, Mr Krishnamurthy said the Commission had called for its copies. It would decide on the action to be taken after consulting legal experts. The Commission was also looking into the complaints that the DMK had distributed stainless silver vessels to enlist support for its candidates.

Asked about the Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary, Ms. Jayalalithaa's personal attacks on Ms. Gandhi during electioneering, Mr Krishnamurthy said he would not answer any question on allegations against individuals. "The Election Commission will interfere only when there is a violation of the model code of conduct."

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