MLAs spent within EC limit, DEOs say in report

The two BJP MLAs, who faced potential disqualification for reportedly spending more than the election expenditure limit of Rs 28 lakh, have been cleared by the election authorities, sources in the know said.

Based on the abstract of election expenses submitted by them, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) had said recently that BJP MLAs from Himmatnagar, Rajendrasinh Chavda, and Santrampur (ST) seat MLA Kubersinh Dindor, had exceeded the election expenditure limit of Rs 28 lakh set by the Election Commission. 

The report said that Chavda had spent Rs 33.78 lakh on his election bid, and Dindor Rs 28.95 lakh.

The Election Commission can disqualify MLAs for exceeding the limit, but the two MLAs are no more in the dock.

The District Election Officers (DEOs) of Sabarkantha and Mahisagar have submitted a report to the Chief Electoral Officer's office (CEO) stating that the election expenditure incurred by the two MLAs was within the Rs 28-lakh limit.

"We have scrutinised statement of election expenditure of Kubersinh Dindor. His total expenditure was Rs 23.76 lakh, which is within the limit set by Election Commission. We have submitted the report on it," Mahisagar collector and DEO MD Modia told DNA.

Sabarkantha's Deputy DEO Mukesh Parmar said that Chavda's election expenditure was Rs 22.38 lakh, and that the reported expenditure had crossed the maximum limit due to an accounting mistake.