Don''t let members carry large amounts of cash, EC to parties-Oct 21,2010

Don''t let members carry large amounts of cash, EC to parties

PTI | 09:10 PM,Oct 21,2010

(GOOD TO SEE ELECTION COMMISSION GETTING STRICTER...GOOD WISHES...VIBHA)

Patna, Oct 21 (PTI) The Election Commission has asked all major parties in Bihar to instruct their office bearers, agents and candidates not to carry large amounts of cash during poll duration to maintain "purity" and "bring transparency" in electoral process. The EC, in a letter to all presidents and general secretaries of recognised national and state parties, has taken the step after it discussed with their representatives the issue of use of money power during polls on October 4 in Delhi. "In order to maintain the purity of elections and in particular to bring transparency, the parties should instruct their officer bearers, officials, agents and candidates not to carry huge cash during the ongoing process of elections," the EC letter said.The six-phased Assembly polls in the state began today. "It is needless to point out that any fund provided by the party to its candidates for election purpose are required to be reflected in the day-to-day accounts of election expenditure of the candidate and the parties are also required to maintain and lodge the accounts before the Commission, after the election is over," the letter said.The EC has recently activated a Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) cell to curb the use of illegal money and almost 150 I-T and Customs officials have been designated as election expenditure observers for Bihar.According to EC guidelines, a candidate can spend a maximum of Rs 10 lakh for Assembly polls and Rs 25 lakh for Parliamentary polls in Bihar."Instances are reported to Commission and also in media that cash, liquor and several utility items are being used in a clandestine manner during the process of elections for bringing influence on the voters. Such distribution of cash, liquor or any other item for gratification of the voters is bribery and is punishable under Indian Penal Code. It is also corrupt practice under Representation of Peoples Act," the letter said.The Bihar Assembly polls are the first assignment for the new expenditure cell in the EC which has recently brought out new guidelines like the creation of "shadow" expenditure register and exclusive election bank accounts by the candidates trying their luck in the electoral battle.