Poll Expenditure
Record-breaking election spending to ignite rural demand: Experts
Even as the 2024 Lok Sabha polls have started to unfold, anticipation remained high not only in the political landscape but also about the ripple effects on the economy, particularly in rural India, as experts described the elections as the most expensive one ever fought in the country's history. With an expenditure of a staggering Rs 1.35 lakh crore estimated by N Bhaskara Rao, who chairs the Centre for Media Studies and has been tracking election spending for 35 years, significant parts of the amount spent during the polls will reach the pockets of India's rural population boosting sales, business houses feel. According to a study, about 35 per cent of election expenditure in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in India was made on campaigns and publicity. The second highest expenditure head was payments to voters via various means hiring workers, purchasing campaign materials, freebies and direct cash transfers in some cases. Industry leaders expect these will have a positive impact on
 "Record-breaking election spending to ignite rural demand: Experts")
Ice creams and beverage items to see surge in sales during poll season
At present, the ice cream market in India is pegged at $5.33 billion in terms of revenue and is expected to grow annually by 10.86 per cent between 2024-28, said a Statista report
 "Ice creams and beverage items to see surge in sales during poll season")
Freebies row: Poll promises should be met via budgetary provisions, says FM
Meanwhile, the apex court has asked a three-judge Bench to review a past order on the issue, which said that such handouts are not a corrupt practice
 "Freebies row: Poll promises should be met via budgetary provisions, says FM")
900 'flying squads' to monitor poll expenditure of candidates
Each of the flying squads has a GPS-fitted car so that their movements can be tracked by the Election Commission
 "900 'flying squads' to monitor poll expenditure of candidates")
