Beware! Carrying cash above Rs 50,000 will come under the Election Commission’s scanner in poll-bound Meghalaya. This is part of the measures to curb using of money power by candidates in the upcoming Meghalaya Assembly elections slated for February 27.
Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer, F R Kharkongor said that he would convene a meeting with bank officials to also discuss ways and means to check suspicious transactions by individuals.
Kharkongor said that under the model code of conduct, anyone carrying cash above Rs 50,000 will be questioned.
The Commission is also deploying expenditure observers to monitor expenses incurred by contesting candidates.
The model code of conduct came into force with immediate effect on January 18, the day when Election Commission announced poll schedules for conducting elections in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.
The model code of conduct also prohibited inauguration of projects or laying of foundation stones after the announcement of elections.
“All provisions of the model code of conduct will apply to the whole of Meghalaya and will be applicable to all candidates, political parties and, the state government. The Model Code of conduct shall also be applicable to the Union government in so far as announcements or policy decisions pertaining to the State of Meghalaya is concerned,” Kharkongor said.
On the ceiling of election expenses for candidates, Kharkongor informed that as per the revised ceilings, a maximum limit of election expenses for the Assembly constituencies is Rs 20 lakh per candidate and all candidates should furnish their accounts of expenditure within 30 days of the declaration of election results.
Erection of billboards and hoardings by political parties and candidates also came under scanner.