2019 Elections Expense Bill: Rs 50,000 Crore, 90% Black Money

The 2019 elections is reportedly the world’s most expensive election, with an expenditure worth Rs 50,000 crore.

The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
Video Producer: Hera Khan

The 2019 elections is reportedly the world's most expensive election. During the elections in April, May and June, Rs 50,000 crore extra will be in circulation. According to the RBI, there is already 17 percent more currency in the market than in February and March.

According to a study report by CMS, election expense that should ideally have been around Rs 5,860 crore is Rs 50,000 crore in reality. And 90 percent of the amount received is black money. Nobody knows where this money comes from or where it is spent.

A candidate gives money to nearly 8 of his sitting or former MLAs. Each of them then hand over the money to 8 to 10 ward commissioners. The money then reaches the members of the Zilla Parishad and then finally the party workers.

The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia breaks down the pyramid of people who invest into the elections, discusses the election procedure and talks about where and how this money is spent from rallying, campaigning, advertisement, to wooing voters on the polling day.