As the state goes to polls on Wednesday, political parties say their election expenditure has already exceeded Rs 40,000 crore. Advertisements in newspapers, television and radio account for a huge chunk of this money. Money has also flown to public relations firms hired for image makeover and event managements.

Civic activists say big corporate houses are funding political parties in return for bulk contracts and business and demand a probe by the election commission.

Hear this Congress candidate"We spend more than Rs 27 lakh (the maximum amount prescribed by the EC) each day. Under the EC-prescribed budget, no one can contest elections. To contest elections, you need black money. Otherwise you are not in the race at all. Most parties check the financial background of candidates while giving tickets," said a Congress candidate from North Maharashtra.

Has the authorities seized money?Yes, but that's only a trickle of what's floating around. During Lok Sabha elections, Rs 14 crore was seized by the election commission's flying squad. So far, Rs 3.5 crore has been seized in Mumbai and suburbs. EC had also seized Rs 4.5 lakh from NCP leader Ajit Pawar's personal assistance.

What's the BJP saying?A BJP candidate from Marathwada says: "Each candidate's budget is Rs 5 crore to Rs 100 crore. Most money is spent to allure voters. The rate of one vote is between Rs 100 and Rs 1,000. Besides, we give paid news to various newspapers even though it is banned. Nowadays, media is a deciding factor. They influence voters. In a multi-cornered fight, if we influence 10% voters, we will surely win elections."

Are their any other beneficiaries than media?Travelling firms and local party activists are two examples. Narendra Ahwad, Sainik Travelling Firm, Mumbai, told dna that their supply of vehicles to candidates has increased manifold. "There is a huge demand for vehicles," he said. Dinesh Lokakshi, a resident of Jalgaon, said he has been getting free liquor and non-vegetarian food for the last 15 days. "My life has changed since elections have been declared," he says.

What do activists say?Senior journalist Bharatkumar Raut told dna it is the right of each citizen to know the source of party funds. "In the US, before elections, parties publish the name of donors. In India, such huge amounts can be funded only by big corporate houses. Unaccounted donations are not good for a healthy democracy. EC should pay attention. Newspapers and televisions do give receipts for advertisements. So, it's not difficult to track, monitor and check the flow of money," he said.

This is what Ajit Pawar saysI am really surprised the way colourful advertisements in national dailies are appearing each day. This should be investigated to elicit the truth and find out the hidden vested interests of these big donors.

What's the way out?RTI Activist Shailesh Gandhi said that EC should remove the expenditure budget of candidates. "No one can contest elections with the budget prescribed by EC. By putting restrictions, we are promoting black money. There should not be any spending cap on candidates and parties. Instead, whatever money they spend should be accounted and submitted to EC," he suggested.