Punjab: A question of prestige, candidates flouted expenditure rules

Punjab: Though the state election commission has set a spending limit of Rs 40,000 for sarpanches in panchayat elections, this expenditure is of little or no significance as the post of sarpanch is a matter of prestige. In villages with a population of 700, candidates reportedly spend Rs 5 lakh, while in bigger villages, the expenditure can easily reach Rs 30 lakh. “If the authorities think we can manage the election campaign in Rs 40,000, they are far from reality. A candidate has to spend Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per day on alcohol and dinner,” said a candidate from Samana. “Even a simple lunch during bhog can cost between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000,” said a politically active farmer from Zargarhi village. “A carton of whisky costs around Rs 4,500. A small village needs around 20 cartons, while a bigger village needs 30 to 50 cartons. Sometimes, additional cartons are needed to meet the high demand,” a liquor contractor said. “A lot of money is spent during panchayat elections as candidates consider it a launch pad for the assembly and Lok Sabha elections,” said a former journalist. “Apart from campaigning, candidates spend a lot of money buying liquor and hosting parties for their supporters,” said an SHO who checks illegal liquor distribution. However, all candidates submit details of their expenditure, keeping it “within limits” as per the State Election Commission norms. State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhary said he has directed deputy commissioners to deploy adequate officers on field duty to check the spending and use of money and liquor. “Panchayat elections are very different from MLA and MP elections as there are hundreds of villages in every district,” he said. There is a need for monitoring.” Chowdhary said they have already increased the limit by about 25 per cent in this election and strict action will be taken against any candidate spending more than the prescribed limit.