The new rules imposed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) have become impediments to the candidates in Telangana assembly polls and they are openly saying that the rules are tying their hands during campaigns as well as in expenditures in elections.
The ECI has directed all the candidates to do not exceed the expenditure in campaign beyond Rs. 28 lakh and the count of the limit begins from the deposit amount (Rs. 10,000) towards the filing of nominations.
It is common in elections to the candidates to distribute money, liquor and gifts including gold ornaments to the voters for gaining their votes. To curb such practices, the State Election Commission has deployed Static Surveillance Teams, Flying Squads and Police personnel at the highways, internal and outer ring roads and so far the teams have seized about Rs. 80 crore of undisclosed amount, Gold ornaments of worth Rs. 20 crore and liquor about in thousands of liters.
In few segments, sources said that the expenditure of candidates from the key parties would be up to Rs. 100 crore and few leaders have already sold-out their property for the prestigious victory in the elections. To monitor such practices, the EC has deployed ‘Shadow Teams’ behind each candidate in the all 119 constituencies.
Another rule of opening of current accounts for the election expenditures is also becoming one of the impediments to the candidates. The amount to be utilized in election should be deposited in the current accounts. Whether the amount is given by the party or self money of candidates, they must deposit in the account before utilizing it. Earlier, the candidates used to submit the list of expenditures, but, this time officials deputed by the EC will estimate the expenditure based on the public meetings, road-shows, motor-cycle rallies, printing charges towards posters, pamphlets etc., fares of food and teas being supplied to party workers or the associates of the candidate.
Candidates and political parties are being hesitated with another rule, that strictly directs to declare criminal cases of candidates and it should be advertised in at largest dailies and relay in cable TVs for at least three times two days before the poll date. Though the rules irk candidates, voters are welcoming it and appreciating the ECI for such great initiation.
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