elections are the process by which representatives of people are elected to power. Once elected, these representatives decide the course of development and formulate policies for same. It is therefore imperative that elections are unbiased. But their are various challenges involved :-

Money and muscle power- Fighting elections are costly affair as candidates spend money on promotion by organising big political rallies, advertisements in print and electronic media etc. The limit on this expenditure is around Rs 70 lacs and Rs 28 lacs for lok sabha and state legislative assemblies respectively. It is common knowledge that the expenditure on ground is way more and this results in creating a barrier for those who lack resources. Political parties find it preferable to give tickets to those who can fund themselves and the more deserving is robbed of opportunity.

A study by Centre for media studies estimated that in 2014 Lok Sabha elections around 30000 cr was spent. Use of unaccounted money is prevalent in elections and this opens opportunities for vested interests to support candidates who once elected can return the favour thus criminalisation of politics.

Steps are being taken by Election Commission in this regard like mandatory filing of election expenditure, flying squads etc. In 2016, Tamilnadu assembly elections, ECI deferred polls to two constituencies on evidence that large scale money was being used to influence voters. The menace is big and more is needed so that democracy can function as it is intended.