This candidate from Jayanagar crowdfunds his election campaign

An independent candidate has managed to raise Rs 66,275 from the public on the first day of a drive, 'one vote, one note'.

Activist Ravikrishna Reddy, who is contesting from Jayanagar as an Independent candidate, started the drive to reach out to the voters seeking money for his election expenses.

The campaign was launched from Jayanagar, Third Block on Wednesday. The National president of Swaraj India, Yogendra Yadav and social activist S R Hiremath launched the campaign.

Starting the campaign in the morning, they collected Rs 52,731 by afternoon. An additional amount of Rs 13,544 was then collected till evening.

Reddy said that apart from the street collection, he would also seek money from people through an online campaign and also through phone calls.

"I will use this money for poll expenses like logistics, pamphlets and provide food to my supporters. We want to continue this street collection for about 15 days. However, online and asking for donation over the phone will go on until the election day. I am requesting for the monetary contribution from people by explaining to them the contrast it has with the political parties who spend money to induce voters. Here, power rests with the people. If they sponsor the candidate's expenses they have the right to question him for not working towards the welfare of the society and people," he said.

It is not for the first time that Reddy is crowdfunding for an election. During the 2008 assembly elections, Reddy had unsuccessfully contested from Jayanagar. He had then raised Rs 4.22 lakh.