“If any positive result is aimed to be achieved through state funding, the funding should be total without leaving any loophole for additional spending by candidates or parties,” it commented.

It also suggested that there should be radical changes in the provisions regarding receipt of funds by political parties and the manner in which such funds are spent by them to provide for complete transparency.

The Communist Party of India and the CPI (Marxist), which provide crucial outside support to the UPA, echoed similar views. While the CPI wanted a ceiling on expenditure by political parties, the CPM suggested strict monitoring of extravagant spending.

“State funding should only be for the purpose of funding elections and not for funding political parties. It would be improper to provide accommodation and telephone for the party office at state cost,” said the CPI.

The CPM said: “Partial funding cannot curb money power in election. This will only amount to subsidising those who are already spending huge money in elections.”

Half-measures the Govt could do

If Govt doesn’t decide to pay all expenses, it could begin with, the EC says:

For political parties

• Rent-free accommodation at national hqs and state parties at registered address

• 3,000 free phone calls for a national party and 1,000 for state parties each month

• Internet connection

• Adequate time on private cable TV and electronic media

For candidates during polls

... contd.