The business chamber, in a statement, asserted that the amount spent has increased by around 30-40% when compared to the December 2013 assembly elections in the national capital. ASSOCHAM further stated that over 60% of the expenses have been spent on rallies and advertisements. A total of 673 candidates are in the fray for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Delhi goes to polls on February 7, while the results will be declared on February 10.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) on Thursday stated political parties have spent close to Rs 200 crore while campaigning for the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi, with the bulk of the amount spent on advertisements in the print and electronic media.
The business chamber, in a statement, asserted that the amount spent has increased by around 30-40% when compared to the December 2013 assembly elections in the national capital. ASSOCHAM further stated that over 60% of the expenses have been spent on rallies and advertisements.
The body further said that the funds were being spent more by the political parties than by individual candidates.
"While the individual candidates are subject to expenditure ceiling, there is no threshold for the parties, major loopholes in the election law, which must be addressed", ASSOCHAM secretary general DS Rawat said.
"These elections, coming on heels of the last assembly elections, have come as a boom to the media houses, which are not only getting increased revenue from advertisements, but also are witnessing higher circulations and TRPs for television,"', he added.
The high-decibel election pitch for the Delhi Assembly polls came to an end on Thursday evening with the leaders of various political parties, including the BJP, AAP and the Congress, making their last-ditch efforts to woo the electorate in the national capital.
The polls, which are believed to be a direct fight between the BJP and AAP, have also witnessed a fractiously divided support base for the two parties.
A total of 673 candidates are in the fray for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Delhi goes to polls on February 7, while the results will be declared on February 10.
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