Former JD(S) member of Parliament, C Narayanaswamy has supported former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s view that Mahatma Gandhi would have turned corrupt if he were to run a political party under present circumstances.
Former JD(S) member of Parliament, C Narayanaswamy has supported former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s view that Mahatma Gandhi would have turned corrupt if he were to run a political party under present circumstances.
Expressing dismay at the growing power of money in politics, he said, “Gone are the days when voters used to demand drinking water, school buildings or bus stands for their village. Now we cut a sorry face when they directly ask us: ‘How much will you pay per vote, ¤500 or ¤1000?’ The new trend has pushed many honest politicians out of public sphere.”
Speaking to DNA, Narayanaswamy said anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare was not fully aware of practical realities of running a political party. Narayanaswamy, who himself is slowly moving away from electoral politics, is of the view that one cannot fight an assembly election without at least Rs2 crore. “Even the most conservative campaigning in rural areas will need Rs1 crore-Rs2 crore. A high-voltage contest will need at least Rs20 crore. The rising money power is pushing people with clean image out of politics. Many leaders like Krishna Iyer and M Chandrashekar cannot contest the elections under present circumstances,” said Narayanaswamy.
Even many of the present leaders would find it extremely difficult to continue in politics, he said. Narayanaswamy recounted his recent experience when a political party distributed Ugaadi package of 25kg rice, 2kg dal, 2kg of cooking oil and 1kg jaggery. It was followed by a sumptuous non-vegetarian feast a day after Ugaadi for voters in Bangarpet constituency.
“It is now common to see people openly demanding Rs1,000 per vote. Supplying live chicken to each household instead of organising non-veg feasts is another new trend. Each party worker needs to be looked after well during campaigning with a daily batta of at least ¤200 in cash, food and booze. This is apart from campaign expenses of hiring vehicles, posters, banners and handbills,” said Narayanaswamy, adding that the trend will kill good leadership if it is allowed to continue.
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