In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, candidates contesting for the first and second positions are expected to collectively spend approximately 76 crore rupees from their own pockets. The Election Commission has set a limit on election expenses for candidates in this Lok Sabha election.
Each candidate has been granted permission to spend a total of 95 lakh rupees for campaigning by the Election Commission. Historically, in the constituencies of Bihar’s 40 Lok Sabha seats, an average of 14 candidates have entered the electoral fray in each constituency. Assuming an average of 14 candidates per seat, they are expected to collectively spend at least 532 crore rupees during the next two and a half months of campaigning. This is while each candidate is only allowed to spend the designated amount of 95 lakhs as set by the Election Commission.
It is commonly observed that serious candidates contesting Lok Sabha elections often spend several times more than the amount stipulated by the Election Commission. This amount is solely from the candidate’s pocket, and the actual expenditure from political parties and government coffers is significantly higher.
Parties also spend on their candidates
It is noted that political parties spend separately on their candidates during Lok Sabha elections. There is no limit to this expenditure. Candidates only need to show their campaign expenses to the Election Commission.
A candidate can have a maximum of 14 vehicles for campaigning
During elections, there will be a plethora of vehicles roaming across the entire state. This time, the Election Commission has increased the number of vehicles per candidate to 14 for recognized political parties contesting elections. Previously, candidates from recognized political parties were only allowed five vehicles to contest Lok Sabha elections. This time, the Commission has increased both the election expenditure and the number of vehicles, providing candidates with more leeway. Apart from recognized parties, there are also many candidates present in the electoral arena, and their vehicles also roam for campaigning.
