SNCN ACHARYULU
Hyderabad
BRS candidates who are happy over getting party tickets are now worried about campaign expenses. The money they have to spend during the elections is bothering the candidates as they have to satisfy all party workers and local BRS leaders.
It may take at least two to three months to hold elections. Once the party announces candidates they have to start their campaign. For this, the candidates have to provide everything needed by workers and local leaders. If they do not do this local leaders and party workers may jump to other parties.
In the past party leaderships used to announce candidates only at the last minute. So candidates had to spend only for a month at the most. But now there are three months for elections. Candidates have to provide vehicles to workers for the campaign and also food and drinks.
Nowadays, elections have become very costly. Everybody knows the official figures on election expenditure are different from the actual ones. Political observers say that every Assembly candidate has to spend around Rs 20 crore to Rs 25 crore. If the main rival is equally strong then they have to spend more.
It is common for everyone to exploit the weaknesses of candidates during election time. When Assembly elections turn very competitive candidates cannot ignore the needs of party workers and local leaders.
During this period if there are any festivals the candidates will have to spend more money to keep their workers happy. After spending huge amounts for around two to three months for the campaign candidates will have to distribute money and liquor to voters before polling day.
If there are multiple groups in the party at the local level this will become an additional headache for candidates. They have to sort out disputes between the groups and make them work as a team.
Sometimes candidates have to spend money to resolve differences between groups. Announcing candidates in advance will help to have more time for campaigning and to resolve differences within the party. But at the same time if candidates are announced early the financial burden on them will be more.
