Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 has broken all previous records in terms of expenditure. This time the general election has become the most expensive election in the world. According to the Center for Media Studies, the price of a vote in India has reached Rs 1,400.
From the ruling BJP to the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, all political parties have left no stone unturned to win the hearts of voters. According to estimates, about Rs 1 lakh crore was spent in this election. Whereas, Rs 55,000 to Rs 60,000 crore was spent in the 2019 elections. This time the total estimated expenditure for the elections can reach Rs 1.35 lakh crore. This time the election expenditure has also surpassed the 2020 US elections. Rs 1.2 lakh crore was spent in the US elections.
The Election Commission has fixed the expenditure limit
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set spending limits for candidates. Each Member of Parliament (MP) can legally spend up to Rs 95 lakh, while Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) can spend between Rs 28 lakh and Rs 40 lakh, depending on the state. In smaller states like Arunachal Pradesh, the limit is Rs 75 lakh for MPs and Rs 28 lakh for MLAs. These limits were revised in 2022.
However, there is no limit on the expenditure of political parties. Expenditure limits apply to individual candidates only when they file their nomination papers, which includes campaign expenses such as public meetings, rallies, advertising and transport.
Election expenses are constantly increasing
The limit of expenditure during elections is constantly increasing. During the first general election in 1951-52, candidates could spend Rs 25,000. This limit has now increased 300 times to Rs 75-95 lakh. Overall election expenditure has also increased. In 1998, election expenditure was Rs 9,000 crore. Which increased six times to Rs 55,000 crore in 2019.
