Sending a strong message to individual candidates and political parties ahead of the State Assembly elections due November 25 this year, State Election Commission warned that if any candidate hold a public meeting with some known star campaigners and use their photographs or posters at the meeting venue, the entire expenditure of the meeting will be included in candidate’s elections expenses.
It may be mentioned that the Election Commission of India had prescribed `16 lakh as the limit of expenses per candidate during the forthcoming MP Assembly elections. A candidate will have to open an account for poll expenses on the day he files nomination papers, an official said.
Sources said the Commission and various teams were closely monitoring various activities specially by candidates and political parties and asked candidates to be very careful regarding expenses during the election campaigns. It said that all election-related activities of candidates will also be video-graphed.
Regarding the star campaigner during the elections, the Commission said parties have been asked to submit lists of star campaigners to Chief Electoral Officer and Election Commission within seven days after election notification.
It further said recognised political parties would have to submit lists of 40 and any other party i.e. registered accredited parties list of 20 persons who can be described as such enlisted political leaders known to be star campaigners to CEO and Commission. After receiving lists of star campaigners, the Chief Electoral Officer would provide their copies to all returning officers/district election officers. However, it further warned that a special watch will also be maintained over visits of star campaigners, rallies and public meetings of various political parties during elections. If a candidate travels with a star campaigner, then 50 per cent expenses on this travel will be included in candidate’s election expenses.
It said that security and medical staff, representatives of print or electronic media and members of the party and comperes will be given concession in the expenditure.