Amidst the fervor of Lok Sabha elections, the meticulous calculation of expenses becomes paramount for political entities and their aspiring representatives. The vigilant eye of the Election Commission meticulously monitors every financial transaction. Across various states, the EC enforces stringent expenditure limits, meticulously curated by election officials at district levels. Behold the intricate rate card dictating expenses on edibles and refreshments spanning the nation’s expanse.
In the vibrant streets of Jalandhar, Punjab, candidates must allocate a maximum of Rs 15 for a steaming cup of tea, and an equal sum for the savory delight of Samosa. Further expenses entail Rs 20 for a refreshing glass of lassi and Rs 15 for a tangy lemon juice. Delving deeper, one finds Rs 40 designated for the sumptuous indulgence of Chole Bhature, Rs 250 for the poultry delight of chicken, and a princely Rs 500 for the opulent feast of mutton.
Meanwhile, traversing to Madhya Pradesh, the financial landscape shifts. Here, a humble cup of tea sets back candidates by a mere Rs 7, while the delectable samosa demands a slightly higher price of Rs 7.50. However, venturing into the Balaghat region, the price of chai stoops to a modest Rs 5, while samosa maintains its stance at Rs 10. For a gastronomic voyage encompassing Idli, Sambar Vada, and Poha-Jelebi, candidates may spare a maximum of Rs 20, and Rs 30 for the delicacies of Dosha and Upma.
In the troubled terrains of Manipur’s Thoubal district, where echoes of recent unrest linger, prices echo a somber note. Tea, samosa, kachori, and dates stand at a solemn Rs 10. While in the Tengnapal district, amidst whispers of tranquility, the black tea finds its value at Rs 5, and chai at a modest Rs 10. As for culinary delights, duck meat fetches a price of Rs 300 per kg.
Shifting focus to Chennai, reminiscing about past elections unveils subtle shifts. The esteemed chai now commands a maximum of Rs 15, while the aromatic allure of coffee escalates to Rs 20. Noteworthy is the fixed price of Rs 180 for the beloved delicacy of chicken biryani.
In the urban enclave of Gautamabuddha Nagar, Noida, culinary delights await. A vegetarian meal beckons at Rs 100, while a humble cup of chai merely costs Rs 10. Kachori and sandwich demand Rs 15 and Rs 25 respectively, whereas a kilo of jalebi offers sweetness at a modest Rs 90.
Venturing into the precincts of North Goa, the chai price witnesses a modest hike from Rs 15 to Rs 20. In the heartland of Haryana’s Jind, culinary offerings encompass Matar Paneer at Rs 160, and Dal Makhna-Mixed Veg at Rs 130.
Beyond the realms of edible delights, a tapestry of expenses unfurls encompassing helipads, luxury vehicles, and floral adornments, meticulously priced in rate cards. Furthermore, restrictions extend to the expenditure on garlands, alongside a cap on expenses related to public meetings, rallies, advertisements, hoardings, leaflets, and venues.
Whilst candidates navigate within predefined spending limits, political parties revel in unrestricted campaign expenditure. The recent guidelines from the EC delineate a maximum expenditure cap for Lok Sabha candidates, with Andhra Pradesh set at Rs 95 lakhs, and Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Sikkim at Rs 75 lakhs.
Even in the Union Territories, where the landscape seemingly shifts, expenditure limits for candidates range from Rs 75 lakhs to Rs 95 lakhs. Mandates under Section 55(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 stipulate meticulous reporting of expenses from nomination to result declaration.
Additionally, candidates and parties are mandated to provide basic amenities to attendees during electoral gatherings, including provisions for sustenance like chai and samosa, all accounted for within the ambit of election expenses. However, the clandestine provision of alcohol to voters and party affiliates remains veiled from public scrutiny, an open secret shrouded in the complexities of political maneuvering.
