As the 2024 Vidhan Sabha election in Haryana approaches, the political atmosphere in the state is heating up. The election, which will decide the next set of leaders to govern Haryana for the next five years, is expected to be highly competitive. Several political parties, both national and regional, are gearing up for the election battle, but along with the political promises and campaigns comes a growing concern – the enormous wastage of money by political parties during elections.
The question arises: is all this money truly necessary to secure a place in power, or could it be better spent on improving the state’s infrastructure, health, and education?
A Brief Overview of Haryana’s Political Landscape
Haryana, a state rich in agriculture and industry, has a diverse political landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been in power in the state since 2014, while the Indian National Congress (INC) and regional parties such as the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) are also significant players. The upcoming 2024 election will be another major event for these parties as they seek to sway voters with promises of development, jobs, better governance, and a focus on issues affecting the common man.
However, behind the scenes of this political competition, large sums of money are being spent on campaigns, rallies, advertisements, and even, as is often alleged, in unethical ways. This immense flow of money has raised eyebrows and concerns among many.
The Issue of Election Spending in Haryana
Election spending is not a new phenomenon, but it has reached alarming levels in recent years. In Haryana, as in many other states in India, political parties invest heavily in building a powerful election campaign. These campaigns include large rallies, roadshows, television ads, social media promotions, billboards, and often direct voter engagement through freebies and other incentives.
While campaigning is essential to inform the public about policies, candidates, and party visions, the question is: Is all this spending justified?
Estimates suggest that several crores of rupees are spent by political parties during each Vidhan Sabha election. Often, a considerable portion of this money is not officially accounted for. A part of the money is spent on media campaigns, while another portion is channeled into organizing extravagant events and distributing goods or cash to sway voters. The Election Commission of India has set limits on campaign expenditures, but political parties and candidates frequently find ways to circumvent these limits.
Wastage of Money in Elections: A Missed Opportunity for Development
The wastage of money in elections represents a missed opportunity for Haryana’s development. Consider how the money spent on extravagant political campaigns could be used to address pressing issues like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment. Instead of spending millions on rallies or advertisements, political parties could invest that money in building schools, improving hospitals, or creating job opportunities for the youth.
For example, Haryana faces a significant unemployment problem. Instead of spending crores on campaigns, if political parties diverted even a fraction of this money toward vocational training programs or job creation, it could make a tangible difference in the lives of many. Similarly, the state’s rural areas still face issues with access to clean water, proper roads, and healthcare facilities. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if the money spent on election campaigns was directed toward addressing these basic needs?
Additionally, Haryana has been grappling with environmental issues, particularly with pollution and declining groundwater levels. Large sums of money spent on political promotions could instead be used for initiatives such as improving water management systems or encouraging sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
The Influence of Money on the Outcome of Elections
Another critical concern with the increasing expenditure in elections is the influence of money on the democratic process. In a democracy, elections should be about the will of the people. But when parties spend massive amounts of money, it raises questions about whether the election results truly reflect the people’s choice or if they are swayed by expensive campaigns and giveaways.
Money, in this context, becomes a tool for influence rather than a means to communicate with voters. Wealthier candidates or parties with access to more resources can dominate the election narrative, drowning out the voices of smaller, less financially robust candidates. This creates an uneven playing field and potentially undermines the fairness of the election process.
Voters, too, sometimes become swayed by the short-term benefits offered during election season. Freebies, gifts, and even cash handouts have become an unfortunate reality in many elections. This trend diverts attention away from real issues, such as policy-making, governance, and long-term development, to short-term gains that do not serve the state’s interests in the long run.
The Role of the Election Commission and the Public
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has tried to address the issue of election spending by setting spending limits for candidates and monitoring campaign finances. However, the reality is that these regulations are often evaded or ignored. In many cases, parties find loopholes to exceed the spending limits or hide expenses.
The ECI must take more stringent measures to curb this wastage. This could include greater transparency in campaign financing, strict audits of party spending, and more robust action against candidates or parties found violating spending rules. Moreover, there should be efforts to encourage political parties to adopt a more modest and issue-driven approach to campaigning, focusing on debates and discussions rather than flashy shows of wealth.
The public also has a critical role to play. As voters, we must be more discerning in our choices. Instead of being swayed by flashy campaigns or short-term handouts, we should evaluate candidates based on their track record, policies, and vision for Haryana’s future. It’s time to demand more accountability from our leaders and to reject the notion that money is the key to winning elections.
Conclusion
As Haryana prepares for the 2024 Vidhan Sabha election, it is essential to reflect on the growing issue of election-related wastage of money. While political campaigns are a necessary part of the democratic process, the extravagant spending seen today does little to improve the state’s future. Political parties and candidates must recognize that money spent on elections could be better used to address the real issues facing Haryana. Voters, too, must make informed choices, focusing on the long-term development of the state rather than short-term campaign spectacles.
Ultimately, reducing election spending and focusing on genuine issues will lead to a healthier democracy and a brighter future for Haryana.
