CLP leader exceeds poll spend limit

Arun Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ropar, February 5

Congress’ Chamkaur Sahib candidate Charanjit Singh Channi has exceeded the expenditure limit for election campaigning. Against Rs 28 lakh allowed by the EC, Channi spent Rs 28.71 lakh till February 3.

The expenditure on putting up tents for party polling agents yesterday is yet to be accounted for. Expenditure in excess of the limit prescribed under Section 77(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, is a corrupt practice.

CLP leader Channi’s election agent Jasbir Singh has written to the District Electoral Officer (DEO), claiming that the rates of items fixed by the EC were higher than the market price.

Meanwhile, his rivals are far behind in terms of poll expenditure. SAD candidate Justice Nirmal Singh (retd) and AAP nominee Dr Charanjit Singh spent Rs 21,81,085 and Rs 18,98,753, respectively during the same period.