All Madurai constituencies termed ‘expenditure sensitive'

All 10 Assembly constituencies in Madurai district have been declared “expenditure sensitive” by the Election Commission.

The constituencies are Melur, Madurai East, Sholavandan (Reserve), Madurai North, Madurai South, Madurai Central, Madurai West, Tirupparankundram, Tirumangalam and Usilampatti.

Already, an observer in the rank of Additional Director General of Police, Dinesh Pande, has been interacting with various government agencies in-charge of election duty and holding meetings with representatives of parties. He has toured many districts in the south zone.

According to District Collector C. Kamaraj, seven observers have been allotted for the district, including two expenditure observers. All candidates and party functionaries are expected to strictly adhere to the norms on filing of statement of accounts with the observers.

The district administration has formed several teams consisting of staff accompanied by videographers.

They will independently assess expenses incurred by parties and candidates and file their observations, with evidence, in CD format as directed by the Election Commission, Mr. Kamaraj said. Training has been imparted to master trainers.

During by-elections held in Tirumangalam, Madurai West and Madurai Central constituencies, officials had seized cash and other freebies/gifts.

All public sector and private banks have been instructed to keep a tab on withdrawals/deposits of huge amounts in cash. Check posts have been provided with round-the-clock personnel.

Mr. Kamaraj appealed to the public carrying cash or any other commodities to produce sufficient proof of evidence to officials on election duty.

Early on Wednesday, a private car was intercepted at a check post in Tirupparankundram Assembly constituency.

A check revealed that a passenger was in possession of international currencies. When proof of withdrawal supported by bank documents was produced the car was allowed to proceed, officials said.