How does the huge difference in political donations between parties affect the fairness of elections in India?

In India, political parties rely heavily on donations to fund their election campaigns. Recent reports highlight a significant gap in donations, with the BJP receiving much more financial support compared to the Congress and other parties. This disparity can have important implications for the fairness of elections and the overall health of democracy.

• Unequal Access to Resources: Parties with more donations can spend more on advertising, rallies, and outreach, allowing them to reach a wider audience and influence more voters.
• Impact on Level Playing Field: The financial gap creates an uneven playing field, where smaller or less-funded parties struggle to compete effectively against well-funded rivals.
• Influence on Voter Perception: Heavily funded campaigns can dominate media coverage and public spaces, shaping voter perceptions and potentially sidelining alternative viewpoints.
• Candidate Selection: Parties with more funds can attract stronger candidates by offering better support, further strengthening their electoral prospects.
• Policy Bias: Large donations may come with expectations, potentially leading to policies that favor big donors rather than the general public.
• Threat to Democratic Ideals: If elections are influenced mainly by money, it undermines the principle of free and fair competition, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
• Public Trust: Perceptions of unfairness in campaign financing can erode public trust in the electoral process and democratic institutions.