Naga candidates spent Rs 570 crore during Assembly polls

Kohima, Aug 13 (UNI) A recent survey, conducted by 'Youthnet', a voluntary organisation in Nagaland, has revealed that cash flowed freely in this funds-starved state during the last Assembly election where candidates spent a colossal amount of Rs 570 crore.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Youthnet Coordinator Hekani Jakhalu disclosed that the total expenditure, incurred by the 216 candidates (for the 60-member Nagaland Assembly) from ten political parties, as well as Independents contesting the elections, was Rs 570 crore.

Ms Jakhalu revealed that out of 216 candidates, 142 candidates (65.74 per cent) spent more than Rs one crore, which included four candidates spending more than Rs 15 crore.

A total of eight candidates (3.70 per cent) spent more than Rs ten crore and 27 candidates (18.05 per cent) spent more than Rs five crore.

Ms Jakhalu further revealed that only two candidates from Mokokchung and Kohima districts spent Rs two lakh each, which was the lowest, while ten candidates in the fray spent within Rs five lakh.

It was noticed that most of the candidates who spent more in their constituencies won the election, she added.

The Youthnet, however, refused to divulge the names and constituencies of the candidates where the survey was conducted.

''The Youthn