POLITICIANS, almost without exception, become richer after they win elections and get into positions of power. It is difficult to say how this happens. Before elections, candidates have to file affidavits declaring their assets.
In the case of several candidates who have been corporators during the last few years, it has been found that they have many times more assets today than before. Based on this discovery, however, it would be unfair to cast any aspersions on the candidates.
An election is no child’s play. All candidates, for instance, have to spend money during poll campaign. It is not easy to win votes. Most voters expected gifts from candidates. The wealthy candidates have perhaps so much problem in this regard as those who do not have money.
They – those who are poor – may have to take loans which have to be returned after elections. And then, dame luck smiles on one when least expected.
The assets of some of the candidates who are contesting Mumbai municipal elections are reported to have increased manifold. It would be, however, wrong to point the accusing finger at these politicians and suggest their new positions have helped them become richer.
Thousands of politicians across the country have become richer after their victory in elections. And there are politicians who openly declare even if they had made money, there is nothing wrong in it because they have to pay back money raised for fighting elections.