Use of black money, muscle power in polls cause of worry: Pranab Mukherjee

Says the spirit of democracy will be subverted if these malpractices are not checked

President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed concern over the "abuse" of money and muscle power in elections, contending these malpractices "subvert" the spirit of democracy.

He also urged the Election Commission to reach out to young voters who do not have access to digital and social media platforms.

"The abuse of money and muscle power to influence voters remains a cause of concern. The spirit of democracy will be subverted if these malpractices are not checked," Mukherjee said addressing the 6th National Voters' Day celebrations by the EC here.

The day is celebrated to mark the foundation of the Election Commission on January 25, 1950 and is observed with much fanfare by the poll panel and its associate agencies across the country with an aim to increase voter participation.

The President also lauded the poll body for undertaking "innovative" ways to reach out to the electorate, particularly youth, so they exercise their right to vote in a free and fair manner as soon as they are eligible. He said while social media has raised awareness amongst the youth about the elections process, special attention has to be paid to those who are "outside the ambit of the digital opportunities".

"It is commendable the way EC has taken up initiatives for informed and ethical voting," he said, adding India takes pride in being the "largest functional democracy" in the world where more than 84 crore people participate in elections.

Mukherjee said elections in India were not merely a festival of democracy but also a "gigantic administrative exercise", a task, which the EC and its officials have rendered with "perfect impartiality and fearlessness.