Preventing Money Laundering in Political Campaigns and Elections

To combat the influence of criminals in Indian politics, several measures can be taken:

1. Transparency: Political parties should declare their assets, liabilities, and
election-related expenditures before and after major elections. Audited financial statements
and detailed returns, including the sources of funds, should be submitted to electoral
authorities.
2. Contribution Limits: Enact laws limiting individual and corporate donations to
political parties and candidates to prevent undue influence.
3. Stricter Legal Framework: Make conduit contributions a felony to deter
individuals from acting as straw donors.
4. Public Awareness: Raise awareness about money laundering and its
consequences among the general public through initiatives by organizations like the
National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and media campaigns.

5. Resource Enforcement Agencies: Ensure that agencies tasked with
combating money laundering, such as the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and
the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), are adequately resourced to carry out their duties
effectively.

In conclusion, while political campaigns and elections in India require significant financial
resources, it is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in fundraising and
expenditure. This safeguards the democratic process and prevents criminals from using
politics as a means to launder their illicit funds.