Most expensive poll in history

RS. 30,000 CR TO BE SPENT FOR LS POLLS

A whopping Rs 30,000 crore is likely to be spent by the government, political parties and candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, making it by far the most expensive electoral exercise in Indian history. The projected expenditure to elect the 16th Lok Sabha is set to rival the USD seven billion (approximately Rs 42,000 cr) spent by candidates and parties in the 2012 US presidential elections. 

A study carried out by Centre for Media Studies on poll spendings says “unaccounted for” money pumped in by “crorepati” candidates, corporates and contractors has pushed up the expenditure to elect 543 MPs. Out of the estimated Rs 30,000 cr, the exchequer will spend Rs 7000 to Rs 8000 cr to hold electoral exercise for the 16th Lok Sabha. 

While the Election Commission is likely to spend around Rs 3,500 cr, the Home Ministry, Railways, various other government agencies and state governments will spend a similar amount to put in place means to ensure free and fair polls. 

The study says the recent decision to hike expenditure limits for Lok Sabha elections to a maximum of Rs 70 lakh and a minimum of Rs 54 lakh, is one of the reasons for poll spendings likely to touch the Rs 30,000 cr mark. According to a rough, unofficial estimate, after the hike in poll expenditure cap, candidates in fray for 543 seats alone could spend nearly Rs 4000 cr in the LS polls.

LS POLLS 2014

* Projected expenditure: Rs 30,000 crore

* Rs 7000 to Rs 8000 crore to hold the electoral exercise

* ECI to spend around Rs 3,500 crore

* Union Home Ministry, Indian Railways, various other government agencies and state governments will spend a similar amount