Though politicians usually don't talk publicly about the need for money to fight elections, Karnataka Chief Minister doesn't figure on that list. 

The Times of India quoted the CM as telling reporters on Monday, "You need money to fight elections. Without money, you can't win elections."

Siddaramaiah was responding to reports that the Congress had given tickets to only wealthy contestants in the upcoming legislative council polls.  "The poll panel decides how much money a candidate can spend. But in these elections, it has not set any limit," he said. 

The TOI report states that candidates from all parties who are contesting the polls are reportedly spending anywhere between Rs 1 crore and Rs 20 crore. 

The CM however denied allegations that the Congress was funding its candidates. “The Congress may be in power, but it does not have money to spend on its candidates," he said.