Making bribery in polls cognisable offence welcome move: PMK

CHENNAI: PMK today welcomed the Centre's plan to make bribery during elections a cognisable offence and said the government could also consider former Chief Election Commissioner JM Lyngdoh's proposal for a system of proportional representation for parties.

"Giving money to voters is the gateway to corruption and the Centre's recent proposal is a welcome move. It can also consider Lyngdoh's recommendation on proportional representation," PMK founder S Ramadoss said in a statement here.

Listing out three suggestions for the Centre to protect democracy, he said President's rule should be implemented in a state three months before it goes to polls and until a new government is formed.

Completion of trial within three months in cases relating to electoral violations and postponing of elections in constituencies where it is established that money was distributed to voters were his other suggestions.

The Home Ministry recently conveyed to Election Commission that it has initiated the process to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and a note has been sent to law officers to prepare the draft amendment Bill in this regard.

DMK chief M Karunanidhi had yesterday welcomed the Centre's decision.