Want to contest on NCP ticket in Pune civic polls? Donate Rs 25,000

Want to contest on NCP ticket in Pune civic polls? Donate Rs 25,000

The Prime Minister's decision to ban notes of higher denomination has forced the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to look for innovative routes to raise funds. The party recently asked aspirant candidates for the Pune Municipal Cooperation (PMC) to donate Rs 25,000 to the party, along with the mandatory form that they have to fill.

The money deposited by the candidates will not be refunded, but used for the party's political campaign.
The new development comes close on the heels of the PMC elections, which is scheduled for February next year. Earlier, interested aspirants could donate anywhere between R7,500 and R10,000.

While the last date for submitting the forms was November 30, after the party received a lukewarm response to its new proposal, it has decided to extend the date till December 7.

"The decision was made by the party superiors and we have to follow it. This is a normal recruitment process and we are not utilising it for any selfish reasons. The money is going to be pumped in for the election campaign," NCP Pune's city president Vandana Chavan said, adding, "We have given a concession for the reserved category, but we cannot reduce the amount any further."

Currently, those applying in the Scheduled Caste category can donate an amount of R10,000, while the rest have to submit a demand draft of R25,000. Chavan said that the party was only accepting demand drafts because cheques often get bounced.

A party member said, "Some of the aspirants are willing to contest, but they did not have the money. Such candidates were not entertained. We have extended the date for submission of the forms, because candidates are finding it difficult to get DDs due to the chaotic situation in banks."