₹12,000–₹15,000 crore was reportedly distributed to influence voter choices.
The $8.7 billion spent in India's 2019 election exceeded the $6.5 billion spent during the 2016 US presidential and congressional contests.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) managed the process for 900 million eligible voters using over 10 lakh polling booths.
According to the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) , the spending was distributed across several key categories:
While the 2019 election set historical records, early estimates for the suggest costs may have surged even further, potentially reaching between ₹1.20 lakh crore and ₹1.35 lakh crore .
₹10,000–₹12,000 crore, covering administrative and logistical management.