The recent focus on the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India has drawn attention due to a proposal by the Union Government to allocate a substantial amount of Rs 3,147.9 crores for the elections. This proposal aims to significantly increase the total amount spent on the elections to a whopping Rs 5,000 crores. This substantial increase in funds for the elections has sparked discussions and interest nationwide.
The proposal for this substantial amount, which is significantly higher than the previously allocated Rs 200 crores, indicates the potential for a vast sum of money to be utilized during the electoral process. Of the proposed amount, approximately Rs 1,891.8 crores is earmarked for the Lok Sabha Elections, covering expenses such as voter ID cards and other related costs. The remaining funds are anticipated to cover various other election-related expenses.
It’s noteworthy that election expenditure in India has been on the rise with each passing term. In the 2014 elections, an estimated Rs 3,870.3 crores were spent, marking substantial increase compared to the previous elections. The projected cost for 2024 Lok Sabha elections is expected to reach a staggering Rs 5,331.7 cr, continuing the trend of escalating election expenses.
The significance of this proposal lies not only in the substantial increase in allocated funds but also in implications it holds for the electoral process, the strategies of political parties. With the ruling party aiming for a third consecutive victory and opposition parties forming alliances to challenge this, the substantial increase in election funding underscores the importance and intensity of the upcoming elections.