The Election Commission had proposed to raise expenditure limits for Lok Sabha elections to a maximum of Rs 70 lakh and a minimum of Rs 54 lakh, and a maximum of Rs 28 lakh and a minimum of Rs 20 lakh for the assembly elections in the northeastern states. This would allow candidates to spend more on their poll campaigns. The EC agreed on the increased expense limits after political parties made a strong pitch in this regard at a recent meeting with top officials of the EC. Political parties had argued that the current limits were too meagre when the rise in prices on account of inflation was factored in. This seems like an unnecessary step. When the country is already in a dire situation because of high inflation, poll expenditure will put a further strain on the coffers. The EC should ensure transparency in the filing of asset details by candidates. Those found guilty of filing incorrect poll expense accounts should be brought to book.
K.A. Solaman, Kerala
The Telegraph, Calcutta published on 4-3-2014
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