हेलीकॉप्टरों से लेकर विज्ञापनों तक, भारत की सत्तारूढ़ पार्टी बड़ी संख्या में चुनावी प्रॉप्स खरीदती है

From Helicopters to Ads, India's Ruling Party Snaps up Bulk of Election Props

Voting for India's upcoming elections commences on Friday, with results slated for June 4. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is vying for a resounding victory, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, eyeing his third consecutive term. In the run-up to the elections, the BJP has secured the lion's share of reservations for domestic private helicopters, indicating an extensive campaign strategy covering diverse regions of the vast nation.

According to Rajesh Bali, managing director of the Business Aircraft Operators Association, demand for helicopters has surged by approximately one-third compared to the 2019 elections, with the BJP dominating over 60% of election-related activities, followed by the opposition Congress party. Notably, Prime Minister Modi's travel arrangements are managed by the government.

The BJP's substantial expenditure on campaign resources is evident, as it outpaces its rivals in helicopter and aircraft spending. Official reports indicate the BJP spent 782 million rupees ($9.4 million) on state campaigns in fiscal year 2022/23, significantly surpassing the Congress party's expenditure. Polls project a comfortable win for Modi, although Congress contests the prediction, suggesting a closer contest than anticipated.

Ashok Lavasa, former election commissioner, acknowledges the advantage of increased resources in enhancing visibility during elections. The BJP's strategic allocation of funds extends to digital advertising, with the party emerging as the top political advertiser on platforms like Google and Facebook. Data reveals that the BJP significantly outspent Congress on online advertising, reflecting its superior financial prowess in the digital realm.

The BJP's financial strength is further underscored by its dominance in electoral funding through controversial mechanisms like electoral bonds. Records indicate that the BJP received over half of the total donations through electoral bonds, consolidating its financial position ahead of the polls. However, Congress has accused the BJP of attempting to financially undermine it, alleging interference in its accounts amidst an income-tax investigation.

In summary, the BJP's extensive financial resources and strategic expenditure underscore its formidable position in India's electoral landscape, posing a significant challenge to its rivals, particularly Congress.

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