BENGALURU: The state intelligence department has reportedly submitted a document to the state government describing how candidates splurged almost a whopping Rs 3,000 crores during Gram Panchayat elections.
The report explains how candidates tried every trick to woo voters—from sponsoring pilgrimages, distribution of gold and silver jewels to women, liquor and cash, and assurances of constructing or renovating temples because every contestant was aware that each vote would matter in wards with a few hundred voters each. The state has over 94,300 Gram Panchayat seats. If one were to calculate the amount for each ward, it would add up to about Rs 3.19 lakhs. Reason for such extravagance: a five-year term introduced by the state government for chairpersons of Gram Panchayats.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior bureaucrat said though '3000 crores looks astronomical, it would be insignificant because of the total number of seats for which polls are held. “In reality, not all candidates will be spending money, but surely those who race for the first, second and third place will definitely spend almost equal amount. Though money is not the only criteria to win, it surely helps gain an edge over his or her rival,” the officer added.
With the state government’s RDPR Act coming into force, many contenders spent money in a big way as one of them could serve as chairperson of Gram Panchayat for five years.
“This has become the highest rallying point for candidates to spend. They are showing who the real boss is in terms of spending money. Although these elections are “apolitical” in nature, every party is taking equal amount of interest to ensure victory for their favoured candidates. Therefore, the expenditure has gone up at least by four times this time,” the officer added.
