The Election Commission India (ECI) has put the expenditure cap not only on candidates, but also upon star campaigners, who can carry with them not more than Rs 1 lakh with them during campaigns and candidates accompanying them should not have more than Rs 50,000 cash in their possession.
Officials said that in addition to candidate expenses, the ECI has closely been monitoring the expenditure of star campaigners. “Star campaigners are allowed to carry a maximum of Rs 1 lakh cash, while candidates themselves cannot hold more than Rs 50,000. Any excess amount found will be confiscated, and appropriate action will be taken against the individual,” said a senior official.
Meanwhile, the Commission has announced spending limits for candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections 2024, as those in the small states are permitted to spend a maximum of Rs 75 lakh, while in larger states this can go up to Rs 95 lakh, the officials said. Similarly, the expenditure limit for candidates in assembly elections has been capped at Rs 40 lakh and all their expenses, with regard to meetings, rallies, advertisements and vehicle costs, should be within this limit.
The poll panel has also directed that candidates are required to maintain a detailed diary of their daily expenses, starting from the filing of nomination to the conclusion of the election. These records must be submitted to the Commission for scrutiny within 30 days of completion of an election.
The officials said that candidates are also instructed to maintain a separate register for daily expenses and provide detailed reports to the local election authority on a daily basis. This register should include expenses for rallies, meetings, and other campaign activities, along with video recordings as evidence.
More to these the poll panel has also fixed a rate in case a candidate hosts a celebrity for campaigning purposes, as they can pay only Rs 2 lakh to such invitees and any overpayment may result in penalties, the officials said, adding that rates for petty expenses like flower garlands, food, and transportation have also been predefined by the Commission.
