Udupi: Lok Sabha Bypoll – Expenses of Candidates under Close Scrutiny

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 28: Observer of Central Election Commission for expenditure, P Diwahar, conducted a meeting of income tax department officials, police department, and the team entrusted with the task of video recording of electioneering here on Monday February 27, to pass on to them specific instructions.

He said that four teams have been formed by the Election Commission to keep a close watch on the expenses of every candidate contesting the bypoll.

He revealed that two assistant election observers have been deployed in each of the eight assembly constituencies forming this Lok Sabha constituency, to keep a tab on these expenses. He informed the officials that expenses of every candidate since the submission of their nomination papers fall under the election expenses category.

The policemen have been instructed to form check posts and keep close vigil over the vehicles moving through them, and check vehicles. They were also told to alert the income tax department officials as soon as they find something fishy.

Diwahar said the candidates contesting the election should open separate bank accounts for the coming election, and route all their election-related transactions through this account. All the concerned were directed to strictly adhere to the guidance of the Election Commission to meet all expenses over Rs 20,000 only through cheques.

He asked the video recording team to watch the day’s recording on daily basis, and submit a report thereof to him. He asked the concerned to keep a close vigil about the expenses particularly during the visit of star campaigners of political parties. He also informed that meetings will be held on March 5, 9, and 14, for keeping the candidates abreast of their electoral expenses.