Corruption in Politics starts from campaign money

@vandana7 (101327)
India
February 26, 2025 1:07am CST
In an era of TV, newspapers, banners, and Internet, do we really need politicians to go different places to campaign? Traveling expenses? The pamphlets, and what not. In India, people are bribed by the party workers, which even when captured is downplayed as some custom. Those who donate more will obviously look for their pound of flesh. And we the general public have absolutely no clue as to how much a party receives, from whom, and how much it spends towards what. Even Right to Information cannot come up with the correct answers. This makes it easier for larger contributor to dictate terms, and get favors. For example our Indian finance minister gave 12 lakhs basic exemption in taxes to us, and cleverly gave a concession on taxes for Vintage cars. Effectively, blinded ordinary person with advantage and favored the contributor. I know for sure that Mukesh Ambani owns many vintage cars, maybe not on his name, but the Ambanis do have those cars. In a country that has TVs applauding Prime Minister climbing those aircraft stairs for foreign trips, only to beg for some AID or investment, and relief on tax tariffs, and of course, employment and visas....is that concession, even if small not unfair? Where does our consideration go? Aren't there poor in the US? Little girls who swallow their saliva when hungry? So with what right do we ignore that and seek help for our people while giving such concessions? I believe in true democracy........the election commission should be the one that collects campaign money and distribute it equally among the patiess. There should be a limit on how much money is spent (read wasted) on campaigns. There should be no pamphlets and home visits or phone calls. People should judge a candidate by their interviews and debates on television programs organized by election commission. There should be a maximum limit to contribution as well. Anyway, I am too idealistic. This is not going to happen... Just glad that a blond thump stopped AID to India and talked tough regarding tariffs. No little girl should swallow saliva when hungry to quell hunger, while the money leaves the country for vintage cars. AID if any should come with condition of Population Control. Without that...please go to hell and see if I care.
3 people like this
1 response
@JudyEv (347065)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Feb
In Australia, the amount that can be spent on political campaigns has been capped. I guess they abide by it but I wouldn't know for sure.
2 people like this