CPI-M demands state funding of polls to curb malpractices

The Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPI-M) on Sunday revived the debate about the need to introduce state funding for elections and said corporate funding to political parties is the root cause of all electoral malpractices.

"You cannot stop this unless you allow state funding to the political parties," party general secretary Sitaram Yechury said here.

Commenting on the sting operations by TV channels that show MLAs and others talking about alleged bribe money to influence upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Karnataka, Yechury, however, said: "Corporates are welcome if they want to fund parties. But the contribution should be kept with the Election Commission."

He suggested that a mechanism should be introduced under which "state funding" of political parties is allowed and the fund is then distributed to all the political parties according to their numerical strength.

--IANS

nd/lok/dg