To(mailto:chief.electionofficer@eci.gov.in)

**Subject:Request for Consideration of "Free Election Campaigning System" to Curb Black Money and Strengthen Indian Democracy

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**Respected Chief Election Commissioner,**

I, **Subasish Samal**, a responsible and concerned citizen of India from the state of **Odisha**, humbly present this proposal that I believe has the power to transform India’s electoral system and reinforce democratic values — the idea of **“Free Election Campaigning”**, funded and regulated by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

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### 1. Present Situation: Uncontrolled Campaign Expenditure & Black Money

In today’s electoral system, thousands of crores are spent during elections — far beyond the officially permitted limits. Much of this money is:

* Unaccounted and circulated through **black money** channels.

* Spent on massive rallies, digital propaganda, paid news, and logistics.

* Used to offer cash, gifts, or liquor to sway voters.

* Utilized in unfair practices like booth capturing, fake voting, and coercion.

These practices:

* Undermine the fairness of elections.

* Promote inequality where only the wealthy can contest effectively.

* Lead to deep-rooted corruption and criminalization of politics.

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### 2. The Proposal: Free Election Campaigning System

Under this model, the Election Commission will take charge of the **entire campaigning ecosystem**, offering all eligible candidates:

* Equal time slots on **TV, radio, digital platforms, SMS, and posters**.

* Free space in public areas for **debates, pamphlets, and banners**, regulated by ECI.

* Disallowance of private expenditures on advertising or promotions.

* Strict surveillance of **offline and online** platforms to maintain fairness.

No candidate or party will be allowed to spend beyond a minimal operational expense. Instead, the **state provides standard promotional support** to each, ensuring **equality and transparency**.

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### 3. Benefits of This Reform

**Economic:**

* Prevents the flow of black money.

* Saves thousands of crores otherwise wasted in unfair campaigning.

* Redirects national resources to development and public welfare.

**Social:**

* Opens doors for honest candidates from middle-class or poor backgrounds.

* Encourages youth, women, and local leaders to participate.

* Ends dynastic and money-dominated politics.

**Environmental:**

* Drastically reduces use of **paper, plastic, vehicles, and electricity**.

* Prevents noise pollution and littering caused by large rallies.

**Governance:**

* Elects truly deserving and people-centric leaders.

* Restores people’s faith in democracy.

* Reduces violence, vote-buying, and communal tactics.

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### 4. Disadvantages & Practical Challenges

Admittedly, a few challenges are expected:

* Political resistance from powerful, money-backed parties.

* Need for **advanced surveillance infrastructure**.

* Legal pushback from private media channels or advertising sectors.

**Solution:** Phased implementation through **pilot programs**, strong legal backing, technological tools, and **public awareness**.

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### 5. Constitutional & Legal Validity

This proposal aligns with:

* **Article 324** of the Indian Constitution – empowering ECI to ensure free and fair elections.

* **Section 77 of Representation of People Act, 1951** – limiting campaign expenses.

* **Model Code of Conduct** – ensuring level playing field.

* **Right to Equality (Article 14)** – ensuring electoral fairness for all.

The Election Commission has the **authority to recommend** such reforms and **enforce pilot programs**. A full roll-out can follow after Parliamentary sanction.

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### 6. Legislative Pathway to Make This a Law

1. ECI forms a legal & administrative review committee.

2. Submits the proposal to the **Law Commission & Law Ministry**.

3. The Law Ministry drafts the **Free and Fair Election Campaign Bill**.

4. Bill is introduced in **Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha** under Article 245.

5. After Parliamentary debate and majority voting, it gets Presidential assent.

This becomes a **landmark law** for electoral transparency and democracy.

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### 7. National Impact

By implementing this model, India can:

* **Save ₹1-2 lakh crore** every 5 years.

* Improve global perception of India’s democratic integrity.

* Boost rankings in **Transparency Index**, **Democracy Index**, and **Ease of Doing Business**.

* Create a cleaner political environment.

* Promote **inclusive growth and accountable governance**.

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### 8. My Request as a Citizen of India

As a proud Indian, I request your esteemed office to:

* Review and consider the Free Campaigning proposal.

* Initiate a committee to study and frame the pilot structure.

* Make a bold step to eliminate money power from our democratic system.

Let us together make elections truly about **vision, service, and character — not cash**.

With faith in your leadership and the Election Commission’s vision, I place this proposal with sincerity and hope.

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**Sincerely,**

**Subasish Samal**

Odisha, India

Phone: +91-7077517545