The city witnessed an almost festive frenzy when candidates from major political parties of the city filed their nominations. Candidates seemed to have made it a point to gather a large number of their supporters, along with drums and troupes of folk dancers. Residents of the city also had to bear temporary inconveniences due to traffic jams caused by rallies.
Candidate of Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist), M Umadevi, contesting from Chamaraja constituency has alleged that few candidates have spent more than the stipulated limit for election expenses, just to file their nominations. A candidate can spend up to Rs 16 lakh as election expenses.
“Considering the recent fanfare when political leaders from major political parties filed their nominations, it is clear that some candidates have spent more than Rs 20 lakh to arrange people, vehicles and food for their supporters,” she alleged.
She added that if candidates are questioned about the ‘extravaganza’ of filing nomination papers, they claim that their supporters have gathered out of love.
“But, everybody knows the reality,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner, C Shikha said that the Election Commission was monitoring the expenses of rallies held by candidates while filing nominations. “All the candidates are given an expenditure register, in which day to day details of their expenses are to be entered. Simultaneously, the election monitoring cell is also maintaining a ‘shadow register’ on the expenses of the candidates,” she said.
Independent observers
Independent observers of the Election Commission are also keeping an account of the expense of campaigns and rallies.
Umadevi has also alleged that candidates from ‘major’ political parties have started supplying gifts to woo voters. A candidate has already supplied 25 kg of rice to influence voters, she said.
Shikha said that the alleged poll code violation in Chamaraja constituency is yet to be brought to the notice of district administration. If any poll code violations are found, they are requested to call DC control room - 1077.
