DOMINANCE OF MONEY AND PHYSICAL POWER IN ELECTIONEERING OF INDIA

Abstract

Money plays a major role in determining the shape and result of elections. Election expenses are mounting day by day and the common man finds it impossible to contest the election. Political Parties try to nominate those candidates who have or can raise money for party. Rich people and companies who give funds to the political parties try to influence the policies and decisions of the party. In some cases political parties support criminals who can win elections. Democrats all over the world are worried over the increasing role of rich people and big companies in democratic politics. One of main curse in the Democratic prospers is influence of money and Physical power in election. Money power has played decisive role in elections in the past and continuous to do so with greater force today. The candidate spends lavishly in elections and in return show their election expenses within the prescribed ceiling. Three- fourth of the expenditure is shown as having been incurred by political parties under section 77(1) of the Representation of the people's Act 1951. In western democracies where the voters are well educated and have ample means of livelihood, the role of money is insignificant. But, in countries like India, where the majority of people live below the poverty line and illiterate, money plays a vital role. Most of the money that comes into the party coffers is illogotten and black money. The evil influence of money power has brought the public ridicule and has eroded public faith in the system.