Ban Political Funding

Ban Political Funding

It is crystal clear that political parties are funded by the corporate sector. The channelization of corporate finances towards political parties is quite evident even from the legislation in force. Income Tax Act allows deduction under section 80 GGB to companies making donations to political parties and such deduction is allowed sans any limit. This unambiguously hints at nurturing political corporate nexus which is bound to blossom at the cost of welfare and prosperity of the State. Undue favours are very naturally and obviously demanded by the companies making such donations and catered to accordingly as a reciprocal gesture by the persons in saddle or aspiring to be in saddle.

There is not an iota of doubt that the vast and poisonous tree of corruption which has spread its branches in almost every section of society has its roots in such funding. Often the excuse is floated that to reach the masses and convey message to the electorate of such vast nation, political parties need funds for which they have to depend and thrive on donations from any segment and sector.

Let the deeds of political leaders whether in or out of power do the entire talking. Political rallies and tamashas on which major chunk of such donations is said to be expended should entirely be banned. If at all donations are to be allowed, these should be allowed with the clear cut welfare scheme at the target. Such schemes or programmes thriving on donations from corporate sector should clearly highlight name of the political party and company initiating it. This would facilitate a subtle publicity to political party and company both, serving the wishes of political leaders and their parties to propagate and publicise themselves and at the same time adding to the welfare of masses. Such regulations can substitute the latest amendment to the Companies Act incorporating mandatory spending of a stipulated percentage of corporate profits on the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programmes.  The legislations which blindly promote political funding without making provisions of monitoring it should be repealed or altered.

But this requires a daring political will which seems to be missing altogether in every one whether in the right wing or the left. When the lawmakers sitting in Parliament are not interested in such legislative changes which restrict flow of corporate finance towards political parties, expecting things to improve appears to be just a wishful thinking. The so called initiators of political reforms if they are honest in their deeds too should come forward and bring necessary changes in the laws only then the menace of corruption can suitably be reined in. The Election Commission which has in the recent past brought various electoral reforms in the system and made political parties toe to these lines should also come forward and float the desired changes in laws so that the political outfits whether in or out of power should be made to behave in the right manner and get the programmes and policies executed in the desired manner. The allurement of vote banks which looms large on every political head would thus keep them vigilant with regard to the execution part of their policies which glitter on their manifestoes and appear vibrant in their promises. When every other mean of reaching and befooling the masses and electorate is restricted the men in power would very naturally try to concentrate on implementation part of their programmes. Every policy and programme framed by whatsoever party at any level always appear to be attractive and for the benefit of masses but the problem is with regard to the implementation part of it where every govt. falters and tries other means of rhetoric talks, fiery speeches, crowd pulling rallies and other tools of the worst form of marketing. The opposition parties should also be suitably reined in with regard to their uttering and outcry made in public. Personal remarks and outbursts, allegations without any substance need to be restricted and stopped especially in Indian scenario where right to speak is being misused by everyone from common people to politicians to media. The registered political parties should only be allowed to hold public rallies and that also in a limited number to float and communicate their viewpoint. These political outfits should make their representatives speak in parliament and raise their and people’s concern on that platform. The media should also understand their role in strengthening the democratic norms and cleaning the rot and filth in the present system and publicise only those comments or statements which have been uttered at some established platform and that too after checking the authenticity of those comments.

All such reforms should come from the inner conscience of the persons holding powerful offices and positions, but since that appears a far cry in the present scenario, the law must intervene and try to rectify things to initiate the cleaning operation. It has been experienced in the past too that even the harshest appearing reforms have been made to be implemented when suitable legislation has been brought in that regard. The Election Commission of India should mull on these lines and dare to come forward with such reforms which can nail and suitably rein in all the political parties and politicians who have lost their credibility and are looked with utmost suspicion. Political funding seems to be at the root of all such mess. The resource crunch with political parties would very naturally compel them to concentrate on their walks to reach the masses instead of their customary ways of talks and only talks.     

DR SANJEEV TRIKHA