An MLA’s journey to CM post by spending just Rs 13699 from his pocket

In reality, it appears impossible but if we believe in a recent report published about the 2022 Himachal Pradesh Assembly,  a member made his journey up to the Chief Minister’s office by spending only Rs 13699 from his own pocket. 

Analyzing the self-sourced affidavit of 66 MLAs of present Himachal Pradesh Assembly members a report released by Election watchdog ADR on Saturday revealed the fact.

INC MLA Sukhvinder Singh who was elected on a Congress ticket from Nadaun Assembly has declared in his election expenditure that Rs 11,25,554 (28 percent) includes Rs 13,699 from his own pocket or Election agent, Rs 9,81,995 by the Political party and  1,29,860 from loan and donation, etc.

Mr. Sukhu could spend up to 40 lakhs but he saved 72 percent (Rs 28,74,446) moreover being a four-time MLA he was elected Legislative Party leader by the party and became Chief Minister.

Election statements of two BJP MLAs – Mr. Bikram Singh from Jaswan Pragpur and Puran Chand from Darang had not been uploaded at the time of the analysis.

Three top MLAs who have declared the highest election expenses are BJP MLA Chopal Balbir Singh Verma incurred an amount of Rs Rs 36,92,821( 92%), followed by Vipin Singh Parmar( Sullah BJP) Rs  36,36,912( 91%) and Jai Ram Thakur( Seraj BJP)  Rs 35,34,033 (88%).

Three MLAs who have declared the lowest election expenses are Sukhvinder Singh(Nadaun-INC) Rs 11,25,554(28%)  Neeraj Nayar( Chamba INC) 12,07,146(30%) and  Davinder Kumar ( Kutlehar INC) 14,47,643 (36%).

ADR state convenor said in the report that out of 66 self-sourced affidavits of elected MLAs, 15 (23%) MLAs have declared election expenses less than 50% of the expense limit in their constituency.

 Based on the election expense declarations of 66 MLAs from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, the average amount of money spent by them in the elections is Rs 24.88 lakhs, which is 62% of the expense limit.

 The party-wise average election expenses show that the average spending for 23 MLAs from BJP is Rs.28.89 lakhs (72.2%). For 40 MLAs from INC, the average election expenditure is Rs.22.87 lakhs (57.2% of the expense limit), and 3 Independent MLAs have spent Rs.20.87 lakhs (52.2% of the expense limit).

51 (77%) MLAs have declared that they have spent funds on public meetings, processions, etc. with star campaigners (other than those for general party propaganda).

 15 (23%) MLAs have declared that they have not spent any funds on public meetings, processions, etc. with star campaigners (other than those for general party propaganda).

Out of the 66 MLAs analyzed, all 64 (97%) MLAs have declared that they have spent funds on public meetings, processions, etc. without star campaigners (other than the ones with star campaigners of the political party) 

Two (3%) MLAs have declared that they have not spent any funds on public meetings, processions, etc. without star campaigners (other than the ones with star campaigners of the political party).