Free and Fair poll: Reforms required

Many political parties, particularly BJP and Congress are reportedly using money power indiscriminately in 16^th Lok Sabha Poll. Though Election Commission of India (ECI) has put a bar on expenses by individual candidates, it has no control over the expenses made by political parties. Time has come to take serious note of using money power by political parties in elections. Apart from using money power, inflammatory speeches by political leaders have emerged as another worrying factor with severe long term consequences. Political experts opined speeches delivered by Narendra Modi, BJP's Prime Ministrial candidate during poll campaign in Assam fueled communal feeling that resulted in killings of innocent people including children and women by militants. Looking from a macro perspective, Modi's inflammatory speeches are being cited by many as a treat to communal harmony and peace in country. On the back drop of using money power and playing communal cards for polling, it has become essential that the ECI step in and initiate effective reforms in election process ensuring free and fair election in the country.