Mumbai
Updated : Oct 01, 2014, 07:40 AM IST
The builders community is feeling the pinch of the multi-polar assembly elections as they find they have to contribute towards the campaign funds of many more contestants.
The construction industry is just one of the businesses political parties expect funds from to meet election expenses. Developers admit it's not a good practice to have to make contributions to political parties, but they point out they don't have an option if they wish to be able to get clearances for their projects.
"It is not correct to offer financial help to political parties and candidates during the polls. But we have no option if we want to do business peacefully. Saying 'no' could hamper projects. So we generally donate to all parties," said Anand Gupta, general secretary, Builders Association of India (BAI).
"Previously there were only a couple of outfits. But now there are many more candidates in the fray," he said.
He explained that the amount to be given would depend on the capacity of the developer and the importance of the party or the candidate.
"Winnability is a major criteria. A candidate who is more likely to win would get a bigger sum of Rs25 lakh to Rs50 lakh so he helps us in getting the approval for projects. It's just protection cost. Some developers will give an equal amount to each candidate so no one is upset," said a prominent deeloper from south Mumbai.
A Navi Mumbai developer felt builders are victims of a corrupt system. "We have been always made the scapegoat and are forced to pay these political outfits. Whether it is elections or festivals, developers are the main target. Then, to recover these expenses we have to indulge in malpractices," he said.
A Shiv Sena legislator from the suburbs agreed that developers did contribute to the election funds. But he seemed to suggest that it wasn't very much.
"In the last assembly elections, a prominent developer offered Rs2 lakh for my campaign. When I checked with other candidates, I found that he had given them a similar amount. I returned the Rs2 lakh. What can we do with just Rs2 lakh? Developers often seek our help, but when it comes to helping us they are reluctant. They offer a pittance but make a big noise about it," the legislator said.