Law on manifesto promises would infringe on rights of political parties: CPM tells EC

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has voiced its apprehension regarding the proposed legislation aimed at regulating manifesto promises by political parties. In a communication to the Election Commission, the CPI(M) argued that such a law would infringe upon the democratic rights of political parties, limiting their ability to freely communicate their vision and policies to the electorate. The party emphasized the importance of maintaining political diversity and warned against measures that could curtail this fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy. Additionally, the CPI(M) raised concerns over the increasing misuse of religion for electoral advantage, urging the Election Commission to take stringent measures against such practices. The party highlighted that the exploitation of religious sentiments undermines the secular fabric of the nation and distorts democratic processes. The CPI(M) called for a more robust framework to prevent religious polarization in politics, advocating for a level playing field where elections are fought on issues rather than identities. The proposal for 'One Nation, One Election' also came under scrutiny from the CPI(M), which questioned its practicality and potential impact on federalism. The party argued that simultaneous elections could over-centralize power, disrupting the balance between state and central governance. By voicing these concerns, the CPI(M) aims to ensure that any electoral reforms bolster democratic principles rather than constrain them.

— Authored by Next24 Live