Over Rs 569 crore spent in 2008, nearly double of it (over Rs 937 crore) spent in 2013
KOHIMA, February 23 (NEPS): In the Nagaland 2008 elections, an approximate amount of Rs 569, 96,00000/- (Rupees five hundred and sixty-nine crores and ninety-six lakhs) was spent to buy votes and to muscle man power. This was disclosed by YouthNet in its Post-Election Watch Report of Nagaland Elections.
The report was widely distributed with publication in all major local dailies and to the State Government and likeminded people, so that the trend of random spending would be reduced in the 2013 elections.
However, a staggering amount of Rs. 937, 82, 67,500/- (Rupees nine hundred and thirty-seven crores, eighty lakhs, sixty-seven thousand and five hundred) was found to be approximately spent in the February 23, 2013 elections in Nagaland. The amount spent in 2013 was almost twice the amount spent in 2008.
The YouthNet in its Election Watch Report of Nagaland 2013 Election said, “While preparing this report we have also taken into consideration the protection of identity of candidates from being antagonized. The report at best is an effort to educate the masses to shift from the vicious circle which would bring checks and balances in the system for overall development of our State Nagaland.”
In Nagaland 2008 Elections, 216 candidates participated in the fray, whereas in 2013 the number of contesting candidates came down to 184.
According to YouthNet, 114 “Crorepati Candidates” are in the fray in 2018 Nagaland elections. NPF has the highest number of Crorepati candidates, that is 43, NDPP with 24 candidates, BJP with 13 candidates, NPP with 12 candidates, JDU with 7 candidates, 7 Independents, INC with 6 candidates and NCP 2 candidates.
Both in 2008 and 2013, most of the candidates who spent more than their opponents in the same constituencies won the election, except the few extremes.
One wonders what will be the amount to be spent in Nagaland 2018 Elections, where 195 candidates from nine political parties including 11 Independents are in the fray.
