PANAJI
Sitting MLAs and those with high incomes have a lot to spend during elections, and the fact is proved with the amount each candidate spends on a daily basis on their campaigns. So far, among those that have submitted details, Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar has spent a total of over Rs 6.23 lakh till February 1.
As per rules set by the Election Commission, candidates have to submit a day-to-day list of expenses they’ve incurred. The limit, as set by the Commission for the State of Goa is Rs 20 lakh. According to documents they’ve submitted, the day-to-day expenditure of candidates involve petrol, food, decorations for public meetings and newspaper advertisements.
The Chief Election Commissioner had, however, served 64 notices to candidates for failure to submit their daily election-related expenses.
Panjim’s MLA hopefuls have spent between Rs 2 lakh and nearly Rs 5 lakh in campaigning in the capital city. From door-to-door campaigns to public meetings, each candidate has spent money on pamphlets, banners and newspaper advertisements.
Among those who submitted their daily registers, BJP’s Siddharth Kuncolienkar spent Rs 4.43 lakh, UGP’s Babush Monseratte Rs 3.60 lakh and GSM’s Ketan Bhatikar Rs 2.48 lakh since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct by the Election Commission.
Porvorim MLA and independent candidate this year has spent over Rs 5.13 lakh for his election campaign.
