Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu urges people to shun 'money culture' during elections

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called upon the people of the State to join his campaign against ‘money culture’ during elections in the State.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called upon the people of the State to join his campaign against 'money culture' during elections in the State.

Addressing a public meeting at Yachuli in Lower Subansiri district on September 20, the Chief Minister urged the people to elect leaders 'based on performance' and 'not through money culture' in the Assembly elections, due next year.

"We always complain against corruption. But have we ever thought where it begins? It begins when a voter casts his or her valuable vote in exchange of money. Unfortunately, in our State, the candidate who pumps out the most cash, wins the election. This must be stopped," he said.

Mr. Khandu termed money culture as the reason for eligible, capable and honest people losing out to represent their constituency and work for people's development.

"Where is the time and zest for the representative, who spends crores of Rupees to win elections, to think for development. His five years will be spent to recover the spent cash, earn more cash to invest in his next election," he emphatically said.

Mr. Khandu made a fervent appeal to youngsters, society leaders, community-based organisations and religious leaders to set out against this ill so that the coming election is fought on clean and impartial grounds and sincere and honest people make it to the Legislative Assembly.

Talking about corruption, he reiterated his warning, especially to government employees, to refrain from any form of corruption or face action.