Huge spending on elections

This election, like the earlier one, comes as big source of expenditure, as estimated expense would be in the tune of Rs 10,000-16,000 crore. This does not include gifts and, about 25 per cent as cash bribes. For example, in a constituency having four candidates, the authorised expenditure would be around Rs 1 crore, while Rs 5-16 crore would go as actual expenditure. At Rs 10,000 crore, the electoral spending is about 0.2 per cent of the country's Rs 50 lakh crore GDP. Comparing Rs 4,500 crore that was spent in 2004, this year’s spending would be three times more.

One reason why elections in India are not the gentleman’s cup of tea is the fact that un-audited huge spending by candidates as cash bribes to be spent on liquor, vehicles, and other daily expenses make it impossible for them to compete with leaders, who have amassed huge money via illegal means Bribing voters has become a normal phenomenon since political ambition has turned out to be more as business than service. Which means: the more you spend the more you siphon off from the state exchequer once you grab the power. An honest contestant will have tough time in competing with his rivals.

And why do voters do accept bribes? Since voters have become intelligent, knowing that election time is ripe to get something from leaders. Whether they are urban or rural, are expected to line up for illegal cash benefits and other free gifts. Out of the total expenses as bribes and gifts, about 80 per cent would be spent out of the pocket of individual candidates. While the Election Commission of India limits the pre-poll expenses of each candidate to Rs 25 lakh, the actual spending touches around Rs 5 crore in his or her constituency. Going by the statistics, this comes to around 2715 crore to be spent by candidates. If Rs 25 lakh is the officially allowed limit, and Rs 5 crore is actually being spent, then the difference is what we call black or illegally generated income by politicians and parties.

However, one big question remains: does bribing pay off? In order to know the answer, I cite a study (between October 18 and November 24, 2008; 3,000 households from the Below Poverty Line and Above Poverty Line) conducted by Delhi-based research organisation, Indian Development Foundation (IDF) in New Delhi prior to elections to the Delhi assembly last year. The study revealed that almost all slum clusters and colonies were supplied with liquor and cash, in some places free food and snacks. In most clusters, the community elder was approached with the bribe. This practice was adopted by at least three national parties and even candidates who did not expect to win use liquor "pouches" and cash of Rs 500 per voter or thereabouts, but only to ensure they stay in the running.

Where will Rs 10,000-16,000 crore be spent? a sizeable percentage of it, if not all, will go into purchasing and running services—the printers, transporters, counters, election watchers, messengers, guards, billboard painters, etc. Since the firebrand T N Seshan’s time, the Election Commission has seen some improvement in conducting free and fair elections; it has not been successful in ensuring such malpractices by political leaders as bribes and gifts. India needs to struggle hard to attain the reputation of a democratic country that is plagued with corrupt politicians who spend unimaginable money to reach the power corridor.