UP Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa Issues Guidelines to Political Parties Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer, Navdeep Rinwa, conducted a meeting with political party representatives on Monday, briefing them about the Election Commission of India’s guidelines for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Rinwa issued directives requiring political parties to obtain permission for rallies and processions, with a campaign expenditure cap set at 95 lakh rupees for Lok Sabha elections and 40 lakh rupees for Assembly elections. Candidates were also advised to carry out transactions exceeding 10,000 rupees through banks. Additionally, parties must submit a list of star campaigners within a week, with their expenses included in the campaign budget.

Permission from returning officers is now mandatory for various campaign activities, including rallies, processions, and public meetings. Political parties must also seek permission from returning officers for using campaign vehicles and conducting campaign activities with allies, processions, and public meetings.

Candidates are required to provide information about their email ID and social media account in the affidavit submitted with the nomination papers.

In line with the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the removal of Home Secretaries in six states, namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Commission has instructed all state governments to transfer officers involved in election-related work who have completed three years or are in their home districts.

This step reflects the Commission’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, as emphasized by CEC Rajiv Kumar, particularly during the announcement of the General Elections 2024 schedule.

The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be conducted in seven phases starting from April 19, with vote counting on June 4.