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According to a report in The Times of India, the DEO has placed a limit on campaign spending by publishing a rate chart for services and commodities that each candidate can spend during campaigning.
A candidate can spend Rs 37 each plate for breakfast, which includes four pooris and a sweet, and Rs 6 per samosa and cup of tea. According to rumours, mineral water bottles would be allowed to be purchased on MRP.
For Rs 16 per metre, a candidate can purchase flower garlands for campaigning and employ three drummers for Rs 1,575 per day.
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Other large automobiles, such as the Scorpio and Tavera, can be rented for Rs 1,890 per day. The Jeep, Bolero, and Sumo, on the other hand, will cost Rs 1,260 per day.
Within 30 days of the election result being declared, all candidates are expected to file a copy of their election spending account with the DEO. According to an official, failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Aside from the DEO’s limits, the Election Commission of India (ECI) increased the candidate spending limit for the UP assembly elections from Rs 28 lakh to Rs 40 lakh earlier this month.
“If there was no limit on expenditure, political parties would go all out collecting contributions. The pernicious influence of big money would then play a role in controlling the democratic process in the country,” the ECI had said.