campaigners EC rule: Star can carry up to 1L cash

STAR campaigners can carry with them not more than 1 lakh and candidates accompanying them during the campaign cannot have more than ₹50,000 in their possession, the Election Commission has said, putting the cap on expenditure during the Lok Sabha polls.

- MUKESH RANJAN

Officials said that the EC has been monitoring the expenditure of star campaigners in addition to that of the candidates. "Star campaigners are allowed to carry a maximum of 1 lakh cash, while candidates cannot hold more than 50,000. Any excess amount found will be confiscated, and appropriate action will be taken against the individual," a senior official said, whishing anonymity.

The EC has also announced spending limits for candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections. Candidates in smaller states are permitted to spend a maximum of ₹75 lakh, while in larger states this can go up to ₹95 lakh, officials said.

The expenditure for candidates in assembly elections has been capped at ₹40 lakh and all their expenses, with regard to meetings, rallies, advertisements and vehicle costs, must be within this limit.