)
The CPI-M Wednesday said it was not "happy" with the Election Commission increasing the expenditure limits of candidates in the Lok Sabha polls.
"We have not been very happy with increasing the expenditure limits," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury said.
"Already the measures taken by the Election Commission have deprived smaller parties from reaching out to people," he said.
"Restrictions on wall writing, posters etc, which were methods used by smaller parties, have been banned while there is no curb on advertisements or use of media, paid news... now we also have paid opinion polls. Hope they will take some measures in the next few weeks," he said.
On the declaration of poll dates, Yechury said: "Nine-phase election is a too long-drawn out process and not great for people or parties. Nevertheless, we are fairly satisfied."
The CPI-M leader added that he hoped the commission ensures free and fair elections across the country.
