The Election Commission of India has proved its worth by boldly opposing before a parliamentary committee the state-funding of polls and the recently introduced electoral bonds. A totally impractical idea of state-funding of elections can only be a useless additional burden on tax-payers without any guarantee that it would eliminate black money in elections. likewise, the Election Commission rightly observed the recently introduced electoral bonds to be a retrograde step against transparency in contributions made to political parties. It is but natural that political parties maintain curious silence by being unanimous on any such anti-public moves mooted by the Union Government with the people having no say against such moves. Since the Election Commission has represented voters in opposing such moves, the Centre should gracefully honour recommendations of the poll panel in this regard.
Exemptions under Section 13A, 80GGB and 80GGC under the Income Tax Act, 1961, regarding contributions made to or received by political parties should also be withdrawn, which also results in ever-increasing number of registered political parties mushroomed just for whitening black money. The revenue so earned will be available for national development and public welfare, which is far more important than having such tax-exemptions.