Official election expenditure limit for Lok Sabha candidates has seen a sharp rise over the years. From ₹25,000 in the first general election in 1951-1952, candidates can now officially spend ₹95 lakh. Despite the higher limit, the “invisible” expenditure by candidates is on the rise election after election.
The expenditure limit refers to the amount a candidate is allowed to legally spend on election campaigning, including public meetings, rallies, advertisements, posters and banners, and vehicles. All candidates are required to submit their expenditure statement to the Election Commission (EC) within 30 days of completion of an election.
During the Assembly polls of 2023, the total pre-poll seizures in Karnataka, including cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals, had touched a whopping ₹733.43 crore till the day of election on May 10. While the EC has further raised the bar this time for ensuring inducement-free election, candidates are adopting innovative appeasement tactics.
