Monitoring of Public Meetings, Rallies etc.

Any candidate or his representative, who applies for permission for a public meeting or a rally shall also submit an expenditure plan in the format given in Annexure-D1 along with the application for permission.

A copy of this expenditure plan shall be given by the DEO along with copy of permission letter to the officer sent on duty for maintenance of law and order to that public meeting or rally and also to the Assistant Expenditure Observer for making necessary arrangements for videography of the events.

The accounting team will calculate separately, the expenditure incurred in each of the public meetings or rallies on the basis of notified rates and keep the folder of evidence which are collected by way of photographs, video recording and statements etc

All expenses relating to a rally or procession organized while filing nomination shall be included in the accounts of the candidate.

Commission has issued instruction No. 76/Instruction/2011/EEM. dated 07.04.2011 (Annexure-D7) that when members of public voluntarily attend a public rally/procession/public meeting of candidate(s) by using their own personal vehicle, without receiving any payment or reimbursement from anybody, it shall not be included in the expenditure of the candidate. However, the personal vehicles used in the rally or public meeting for campaign purpose by putting flags or banners or poster for the benefit of any candidate(s) shall be included in the expenses of the candidate(s). If commercial vehicles bearing commercial registration numbers are used for rallies or public meetings of any candidate(s) the expenditure on such vehicles shall be included in the account of the candidate(s).

One personal vehicle owned and used by the candidate(s) for campaign purpose shall be treated as campaign vehicle and notional expenditure on fuel and driver salary as per the market rate shall be included in the accounts of the candidate(s). In case other vehicles, owned by the candidate(s) are used for campaign. purpose, then the notional expenses as per the notified rate for hiring of such vehicles shall be calculated by the candidate(s).

The expense on such items of flags, mufflers or caps with party symbol shall be accounted for by the party concerned as its clection expense. If they bear the name(s) or photo(s) of candidate(s), the amount shall be added to the accounts of the candidate. However, supply and distribution of main apparels like saree, shirt, T-shirt, dhoti etc. by party/candidate is not permitted as it is bribery of voters.

ECI instruction No. 464/INST/2011/EPS dated 28-03-2011 (Annexure-D6) has clarified that the expense on the vehicle of the district level party office bearers/leaders (other than star campaigners) for the purpose of their visit to multiple ACs within the district for electioneering shall not be included in the accounts of candidate(s). It is further clarified that if the district functionary himself is a candidate, contesting from the same district and such vehicle is used for movement in the constituency from where he is contesting, or such vehicle is used for campaign for any particular candidate(s). then the hiring charges of the vehicle shall be included in the accounts of the candidate(s) using the vehicle for campaign purpose.

Permission for public rally shall not be given, if the candidate does not produce his accounts for inspection, without valid reasons. A show cause notice shall be issued and served for not producing accounts, before the permission for public rally is rejected. However, if the candidate produces the accounts for inspection. then permission for public rally shall be granted forthwith. This will act as deterrence against dummy candidates, who are not serious in contesting elections.