Candidates to spend Rs 10 crore each
Hyderabad: Candidates from Andhra Pradesh, spend the highest in the country and the present lot are out to break all olprevious records. Since l999, AP has become notorious for their ability to spend astonishing amounts for election.
The TDP, which is fighting its do-or-die election, is pulling out all the spots. Its main rival, YSR Congress, which is contesting its maiden election, is managing funding case-by-case. But when contestants are going down to the wire, they will match penny for money.
The Congress has the edge in Telangana, but has nothing to spend for in Andhra. The onus of funding is now entirely on their candidates. The party will step in selectively.
TDP, Congress and YSR Congress Assembly candidates have committed to spend Rs 10 cr and even further if their contests turn close. For those contesting for Parliament, the main qualification is - deep pockets.
Most of the money is for distributing liquor and cash to voters. It's also for winning the support of leaders, who wield clout in local regions. This is apart from routine election elements like buntings, cutouts and banners.
The most expensive contest is unfolding at Vijayawada. TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu shortlisted local transport tycoon Kesineni Nani for the Lok Sabha seat.
YSR Congress' earliest candidate is industrialist Koneru Prasad. He has told his party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy that the party need not worry about him. He has not foreseen this kind of development in his contest. He has further loosened his purse strings. Both candidates till polling day would have spentt at least Rs 50 cr each.
Both Nani and Prasad have contributed to their respective party's election fund. Anantapur candidate, defecting from the Congress, Ananta Venkatrami Reddy enjoys a good name in the constituency, but if money were a factor he should have been dropped.
The party would fund his entire campaign. Then there is Ayodhya Rami Reddy at neighbouring Narsaraopet Parliament seat. He has told his president that if any of the contestants in the seven segments that would form part of his Parliament constituency are in 'any need', they ought to contact him.
The EC's Model Code of Conduct teams have so far seized nearly Rs 100 cr. The first phase of election is still a fortnight away.
News Posted: 15 April, 2014
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