I lack the necessary funds to contest polls at this time. CM Krishna, a former K’taka

Former chief minister and seasoned politician SM Krishna voiced his dissatisfaction with state politics on Sunday, raising concerns about the deterioration of constitutional principles and the increasing power of money in elections.

BJP leader and MP Srinivasa Prasad made this statement at the golden jubilee celebrations of his political career, which were held here. He said that significant quantities of money, between Rs 100 and Rs 200 crore, are being spent in each constituency to win elections.

The Indian democratic system is highly praised and appreciated, but it’s time to assess its direction. Unsettling new trends indicate that money is becoming a bigger factor in politics. In the 1960s and 1970s, individuals did not provide money to politicians in order for them to run for office.

Recalling that he first witnessed a bundle of Rs 10,000 being issued for elections at the Congress headquarters, he said that the expenditure on polls has increased many times over, subverting the basic democratic process. “I don’t own that much money. “I wouldn’t have run for office right now,” he said.

He said that election changes are desperately needed to reduce the excessive influence of money on voters. He urged the federal government to prioritize strengthening the Election Commission and putting policies in place to counteract money power in elections, particularly for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he predicted will be reelected a third time. “In order to save the system, he should develop a counter strategy,” he continued. He recalled that during TN Seshan’s tenure as Election Commissioner, officials were afraid of him because he imposed spending limits and restored credibility to the voting process.

Krishna recounted how, barely two years into his role as chief minister, Devraj Urs wanted to establish himself as a politician who could win elections. To that end, the two of them devised a plan to unseat Srinivas Prasad in a prestigious by-poll.

He went on, “But because Prasad had the ability to organize and draw crowds, we were unable to enlist the support of powerful leaders and individuals to work against him.” He described Prasad’s ascent to political prominence and his steadfast base of support among the residents of Mysuru’s Ashokapuram neighborhood.

He said that although political officials employed polite language in the past, the language used today reflects a decline in moral standards.