Topic - Tamil Nadu’s direct cash transfers
The Election Commission may believe it has done enough by postponing voting in two Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu where there were allegations of rampant[बड़े पैमाने पर] voter bribery and distribution of cash and gifts over the last month, and ordering an inquiry. But given the situation on the ground, coupled with the EC’s own grim[भयंकर] portrayal[चित्रण] of the widespread electoral malpractice, deferring the election in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur by a week is a grossly inadequate response. For one, there is enough reason to believe that the cash-for-votes phenomenon has taken deep roots in all constituencies. Also, deferment[स्थगितकरण] means little in the long run if recovery of cash is not followed up with the implementation of strategies to stamp out this perversion[आचारभ्रष्टता] . In Aravakurichi, the EC seized Rs.4.77 crore from a person linked to the AIADMK and its Ministers. It seized Rs.1.98 crore from the DMK candidate and his son. It found evidence that ambulances were used for cash runs to distribution points. Details of ward-wise distribution, possibly of up to Rs.6 crore, have been found in Thanjavur. A well-oiled cash distribution system was undoubtedly in place. Some cases have been registered, but the candidates remain untouched. Hence the widespread scepticism[संदेहवाद] about the EC’s claim that with the seven-day postponement the “vitiating effect” of the money and gifts distributed would “lose its intensity”.
The term “money power” is used to describe the financial clout of some candidates backed by superior resources. In India’s electoral history, there have been any number of allegations of attempts to influence voters. However, Tamil Nadu is acquiring a reputation for its well-oiled cash economy of electioneering, with every vote seen to be on auction. This dynamic, in part, explains why Assembly elections in the State are becoming so lacklustre, with the essential democratic outreach through manifestos and programmes replaced by competing rosters of freebies and, behind the scenes, the promise of payment for votes. By-elections held a decade ago heralded the beginning of large-scale bribing of voters, and there are suggestions that few, if any, constituencies are wholly free of ‘cash’ enticements[प्रलोभन] . Indeed, candidates tremble[घबराना] at the prospect of meeting voters ‘empty-handed’. The EC has used its enormous powers effectively to end most malpractices across the country. It has worked successfully to increase turnouts and opened up access to polling booths to all sections. However, it has clearly failed to contain money power, especially in Tamil Nadu. That is only to be expected. The EC cannot wage this battle alone — efforts to curb[नियंत्रण] the flow of cash in election campaigns need to be embedded in a wider cleaning up of the account books of political parties. Campaign finance remains anachronistically opaque, and the distortions include not just “money power” at election time, but also corruption in administration and in, say, the use of local area development funds. The only cause for cheer in this grim scenario is that voters do not necessarily vote for the highest bidder.
Vocabulary:
rampant[बड़े पैमाने पर]-used to describe something that is very common or that is spreading very quickly and in a way that is difficult to control
- There is evidence of rampant corruption in the local government.
- rampant crime/disease
- Rumors of her engagement were rampant. = Rumors of her engagement ran rampant. [=there were many rumors that she was engaged to be married]
grim[भयंकर]- unpleasant or shocking to see or think about
- Hikers made a grim discovery when they came across a dead body in the woods.
- The accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.
portrayal[चित्रण]- the act of showing or describing someone or something especially in a painting, book, etc. — often + of
- We will examine Edgar Allan Poe's portrayal of women in his stories.
- The book is an accurate portrayal of his life.
- I don't accept his portrayal of himself as an innocent victim. [=I don't believe that he is an innocent victim, as he claims to be]
deferment[स्थगितकरण]- the act of allowing something to be delayed or deferred: such as
a : official permission to pay for something at a later time
- She requested a six-month deferment on her loan.
perversion[आचारभ्रष्टता]- something that improperly changes something good
- perversions of the truth
- The judge's decision was a perversion of justice. [=was very unjust]
scepticism[संदेहवाद]- an attitude of doubting the truth of something (such as a claim or statement)
- She regarded the researcher's claims with skepticism.
enticements[प्रलोभन]-to attract (someone) especially by offering or showing something that is appealing, interesting, etc.
- The store hopes to entice [=tempt, lure] shoppers with attractive window displays.
tremble[घबराना]-to shake slightly because you are afraid, nervous, excited, etc.
- His arms and legs began to tremble.
- My voice trembled as I began to speak.
- I opened the letter with trembling hands.
curb[नियंत्रण]-to control or limit (something)
- The legislation is intended to curb price and wage increases.
- pills designed to curb your appetite