Money talks during ticket allotment

March 12: Fund raisers and money bags are playing a key role in all the political parties this time.
The ruling Congress, which is in power (in the state and Centre) and is projected by surveys to return to power, is the most sought-after party for the “money bags.”
“I am willing to pay you Rs 1 crore if you can get me the ticket for Malkajgiri Assembly constituency,” an aspirant reportedly told a Congress leader. No one is sure if the aspirant was just bragging or if he really can back up his claim.
But ask any leader, everyone agrees that this is going to be the most expensive election. “One has to spend not less than Rs 2 crore for an Assembly constituency. It is the bare minimum. Parties too have to shell out huge amounts,” a TRS leader said.
Sources in the Congress revealed that industrialists and the nouveau-rich, particularly those who made millions during the real estate boom are willing to shell out crores of rupees for a party ticket.
“The demand for a Congress ticket is very high. Mahakutami and Praja Rajyam tickets come next in the wishlist. What parties mean by ‘winnability’ is the candidate’s ability to spend a couple of crores,” a senior Congress leader said.
The Telugu Desam, which has received a shot in the arm with the Left and the TRS joining it, too has key fundraisers like Mr C.M. Ramesh, a contractor and a wealthy businessman, “Sujana” Choudhary, industrialist and the chairman of the Sujana Group of
Industries and Mr Garikapati Mohan Rao, also a contractor. According to TD sources Mr Narayana of the Narayana Educational Institutions (who had provided tuition to Mr Naidu’s son Lokesh in the past) too helps out the TD chief with surveys.
In the TRS, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao, along with his confidants, looks after fundraising himself. Interestingly, Mr C.M. Ramesh, who is close to Mr Naidu, is also Mr Rao’s confidant.
In the Praja Rajyam, Allu Arvind, the general secretary and party president Chiranjeevi’s brother-in-law is the key fundraiser. An NRI close to Chiranjeevi, Mr Srinath too is active.
There are also rumours that the PR leadership, while interviewing prospective candidates made it clear that they should have at least Rs 4 to 5 crore. The party, however, denies that money was the criteria for candidate selection.
Leaders in all parties assert that fund raisers have immense clout in the party and call the shots in the allotment of tickets.
“Though commitment to party and seniority should be the sole criteria, now all parties are looking for candidates who have the money,” a PR leader said.