Cash & freebies
Nagaraj Gouri, the Congress candidate for Hubballi Dharwad West, is collaborating with a local coaching centre to provide cash-free coaching to graduates taking IAS/KAS/PSI exams. He also provides tailoring training to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We received the rice, dal, oil, and several other household items from various likely candidates”, Parshuram, a mason, explained.
He stated that in his area, this has been standard practice in every election. Kavitha (name changed), a resident of Hebbal, Bengaluru, only had to show her voter ID card to receive six household items from various aspirants, including an induction stove and a rice cooker. “We were told that these were given to each household as a gift”, she explained.
According to political commentator Vishwas Shetty, parties now primarily consider those with money to provide freebies as potential candidates. As a result, several real estate developers, mining magnates, and contractors have entered politics. “They have no idea about the party structure or how elections work”, Shetty explained.
According to a former minister, some voters would refuse cash in the past. “People now don’t vote unless they get money and freebies from local candidates”, the functionary explained. He believes that the trend shifted following the 2008 assembly elections.
Other politicians concur, claiming that spending has more than doubled. However, some politicians argue that incentives are not everything. “Money, without a doubt, plays a role, but people will continue to vote for the candidate they believe is the best”, a senior Congress party member said.
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