Apart from crowdfunding, with the NRI population increasing, many candidates are now seeking help from them
Aspiring political candidates are looking at non-resident Indians (NRIs), financial investors and crowdfunding to fund their election campaigns for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls, reported deccanherald.com.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), making its foray in the Karnataka elections, is looking at raising funds from the public. “As an ideology, we do not want to depend on black money for our campaigns. Hence, we have asked all our candidates to hold simple campaigns and collect funds from the public. We are also hosting a few fundraising events and all the money raised is accountable,” said Ashok Mruthyunjaya, Bangalore Vice President, AAP.
Apart from crowdfunding, with the NRI population increasing, many candidates are now seeking help from them. Speaking to deccanherald.com on condition of anonymity, an aspiring candidate from a constituency in South Bengaluru said that those settled abroad have the inclination to make a mark in their hometown and they could use that to their favour.
While candidates from mainstream parties also receive funds from the party, they cannot completely depend on it. Another candidate hoping to contest from a major party said they had monetised funds by mortgaging their house to meet a few expenses. A few even put their property on sale as early as 2021
“There are many who have been living abroad for a long time. We can use their inclination towards politics and affiliation towards their hometown to help us. Over time, we can name something in their honour or promote their name by other means and it is a win-win deal for both of us,” the candidate said.
While candidates from mainstream parties also receive funds from the party, they cannot completely depend on it. Another candidate hoping to contest from a major party said they had monetised funds by mortgaging their house to meet a few expenses. A few even put their property on sale as early as 2021. “I agreed to black money and hence got a good price and liquid cash on hand. This will help for now and I can plan to get back the property over time,” one of the candidates said.
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