It is an established practice that the state election commission requests the state government to make budgetary provisions for the expected expenses in the year when assembly of general elections re to be held. With reference to the upcoming assembly election in Gujarat, the election commission has made request to provide for Rs. 387 crores in the coming budget.
However, it is always seen that the actual expenses surpass the budgetary provision. In 2017 assembly election, the provision was made for Rs.250 crores whereas the actual expenses were Rs. 326 crores. In 2012, the total expenses incurred were Rs. 175 crores. In 2022 elections, the total actual expenses are expected to be around Rs.450 crores.
The expenses are mainly cost of remuneration of election staff, logistics, vehicles, and cost of polling booths. The actual expenses vary according to the need of increased polling booths and other such factors. The provision also does not take care of the eventuality of increased expenses in case of preparedness for covid.
Election Commission of India has increased the limit of expenditure per candidate from Rs.28 lacs to Rs. 40 lacs. In 2017 elections, BJP spent Rs.111 crores whereas Congress has declared to have spent Rs.18.47 crores.
