A AKHTER / NEW DELHI
UNION Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today asserted that government has taken several measures to ensure transparency in political funding and stressed on the need to take further step to free election from the pressure of money power.
Replying to a short duration discussion in Rajya Sabha on electoral reforms, Mr Prasad said government is of the view that there should not be pressure of money power in the election system.
He also said the time has come for One Nation, One Election in the country and there must be an open-minded discussion on this idea.
He highlighted the loopholes due to continuous elections and how developmental work is being hampered.
The Minister also rejected opposition allegations and doubts with regard to EVMs wondering why they do not have any issues when they win elections through this system.
He said the opposition should accept their defeat in the Lok Sabha elections and they should not insult the verdict of the people by questioning EVMs.
Initiating the discussion earlier, Derek O’ Brien of Trinamool Congress said there is a need to take steps and bring amendments in the existing law related to appointment of Election Commissioners.
On the issue of One Nation, One Election, Mr O’ Brien said the government should take every party on board before moving forward in this direction. He also raised the issue of EVMs and misuse of data during elections.