Chennai:
A candidate standing for corporation elections on an average spends more than Rs 30,000 per day approximately and the ceiling amount of Rs 56,000 prescribed by State Election Commission is far too unrealistic.
Candidates cutting across different political parties confided to Express that they have already spent beyond the ceiling amount fixed by the state election commission and added that the amount is not enough to contest the local body elections.
“On an average we spend more than Rs 5,000 on food per day on campaigning besides Rs 2,000 for autos which conduct day to day campaigning,” says a candidate, who doesn’t want to be identified. “We also spend Rs 800 per day for sound service and an additional Rs 1,000 for petrol. The other expenses include vehicular expenses for party supporters who number around 200, including women,” says another candidate.
Interestingly, in order to have adequate manpower, the candidate spends Rs 150 to Rs 200 on a supporter. On an average a candidate will not have less than 100 supporters which itself costs about Rs 15,000.
Interestingly, the cost escalation in spending this year is mostly due to the availability of funds per ward. Initially a ward get Rs 30 lakh per year as ward development fund but now there is a plan to revise it to Rs 50 lakh following the expansion of the city. And the candidates are eying a share in the fund.
Interestingly, candidates cutting across party lines have scoffed at the expenses limit prescribed by the state election commission. With the rising inflation and rise in fuel prices, it is unrealistic to go by state election commission directive, feel candidates.
Per day poll expenses of a candidate contesting municipal polls:
Manpower: Rs 15,000 per day (Rs 150 to Rs 200 per supporter)
Auto charges: Rs 2,000
Sound service: Rs 800
Petrol: Rs 1,000 +
Food: 2,000
Other expenses: Rs 10,000
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