Hyderabad: Each contesting candidate in the Secunderabad Cantonment Board election has an expenditure cap of Rs 4 lakh. However, the aspirants are found spending money way above the limit, and in some cases, even distributing cash 10 times over the ceiling.

Observers said each candidate is shelling out up to Rs 50 lakh. In Ward 1, which includes Bowenpally, the expenditure is going beyond Rs 1 crore.

“The SCB election is being seen a pre-final before the elections to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. Political parties are attempting to woo the voter by paying money, offering benefits from schemes among others,” said an observer.

“Supporters of some candidates were found openly handing out a Rs 500 note. Why can’t the vigilance team notice these irregularities,” said Jetti Umeshwar Rao, a resident of Ward 4.

SCB returning officer Vittal said, “The expenditure must not be more than Rs 4 lakh for each ward member and they should show the accounts to returning officer up.”

Big guns openly violate poll rules

Top political leaders in the state are openly violating election rules to support their candidates for the January 11 elections to the Secunderabad Cantonment Board.
Ministers T. Harish Rao, Padma Rao, Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya of the BJP and Telugu Desam MLA G. Sayanna, have allegedly used government machinery while campaigning for the candidates.

SCB chief executive officer Sujatha Gupta told this newspaper, “Many ministers and MLAs were found flouting cantonment election rules by using the government machinery, including vehicles, officials and other assets while campaigning.”

SCB elections are held on non-party basis, though the political leanings of many of the candidates is well known. SCB returning officer Vittal said, “We have issued over 97 notices. Some of the contestants are second time violators.” Mr Vittal added, “By using government machinery, flexes, newspaper ads, pamphlets, hoarding, and publicity balloons with party symbols, the candidates is directly influencing the voter.”

He als said, “We have filed cases under CPC 171, Public Representatives Act of 1950. Police is scrutinising the video and photographs taken by our team. Once it is established that rules were violated, the candidate will be disqualified.”