Contestants assets, crime record open to voters

Eluru: The assets of contestants and their criminal background will be made public for the benefit of voters, said Collector Praveen Kumar.

The collector while opening Information departments' media centre at Girijan Bhavan, said that the contestants have to provide information of their assets during previous elections apart from the existing properties.

They are also supposed to submit in the affidavit while filing nomination that they have any cases pending against them. This will help voters to know better about their candidates and select best among the contestants who have clean image.

He also said there is strict vigil on distribution of money, liquor, saris and other valuables to buy votes. The bulk money transactions in bank accounts are also being under scanner, he revealed.

The Collector asked the voters to download cVIGIL app in their mobiles and directly report to Election Commission (EC) on the violation of code of conduct and tab on expenditure by contesting candidates.

He said those contesting for Lok Sabha seat should not spend more than Rs 70 lakh while those contesting for Assembly should restrict their expenditure to Rs 28 lakh.