Statement–Assumption — “The Election Commission should curtail election expenditure.” — President of India Assumptions: I) The Election Commission can be directed only by the President of India. II) The Election Commission has the authority and capacity to curtail election expenditure. Choose the implicit assumption(s).

Introduction / Context:
The President’s statement suggests the EC should act to reduce costs. We check what must be assumed for this suggestion to be meaningful.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• EC possesses regulatory tools (rules, monitoring, ceilings) affecting expenditure.
• Constitutional direction/control over EC is not being asserted here.

Concept / Approach:
The minimal assumption is II: EC can, in principle, effect such curtailment. There is no need to assume an exclusive power of the President to direct the EC (I); the sentence reads as advice/expectation, not a command anchored in exclusive authority.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
EC routinely prescribes expenditure norms and audits campaign accounts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Only I/Both/Neither” misstate or dilute the necessary assumption.

Common Pitfalls:
Reading an exhortation as a constitutional directive.

Final Answer:
Only assumption II is implicit.