news details |
|
|
| Businessmen reluctant to fund campaigns | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Oct 25: In the light of recession in the country political parties and candidates contesting the ensuing Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir may feel the pinch of resource crunch because businessmen and traders in the state were not prepared to donate liberally to the election fund.
Number of political leaders confirmed that several businessmen had refused to make available as much funds as they had made in 2002 election because of the current recession and inflation. They said in Jammu and Kashmir those candidates who are serious in contesting the coming poll will have to spend between Rs, 5 and Rs.20 lakhs in each constituency. A former minister explained that "we have to spend money on paying to the polling agents at the rate of Rs.250 per head." He added "we have to spend heavily on hiring a fleet of jeeps and other vehicles,on preparing playcards,bun tings,banners and hoardings."He said in certain areas voters get lured only after they are paid some money.
Another former MLA belonging to a regional party said that candidates from the Congress and the BJP, besides those belonging to other national parties, receive financial help from the party headquarters but "we have to generate resources within the state which has become difficult in view of the current economic situation in the country."However,a former Congress MLA said that "we do not receive full financial support from our high command." He said that "we get between Rs.one lakh and Rs.two lakhs per constituency."
He cited the example of some businessmen who have decided to curtail the expenses on sending Diwali gifts to their friends and their clients.He said in such a situation "we cannot expect much financial support from the trading community and the transporters."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
