Open poll bank accounts: SEC

In a first for a civic poll in the country, candidates for the February 16 BMC elections have been directed to open a bank account with a nationalised bank exclusively for campaign-related transactions.

In a first for a civic poll in the country, candidates for the February 16 BMC elections have been directed to open a bank account with a nationalised bank exclusively for campaign-related transactions.

The diktat by the state election commission (SEC) is aimed at curbing splurging of funds by political parties and leaders during elections and aims to ensure those in the fray do not cross the Rs 5 lakh spending limit.

The nationalised bank account will make it easier for the commission to keep a tab on violations and monitor donations.

HT Image

The decision follows a similar directive by the election commission of India for the ongoing and upcoming assembly polls. However, this is the first time it has been implemented in a municipal corporation election.

“This move will ensure that a strict check is kept on the candidates’ expenditure, and will make it easier to detect violations,” said Chand Goyal, additional chief secretary, SEC.