New Delhi (Agency): In the run-up to the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly polls later this year, the state’s Congress party has put forth a request to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to include the campaign expenditures of 39 BJP candidates, whose candidacies have already been announced, within their official election expenses.
As the BJP unveils its candidates for 39 out of the total 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has approached the ECI with its appeal. A delegation from the Congress, led by Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh, held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and other officials to submit their suggestions. JP Dhanopia, Congress leader and party in-charge for ECI-related affairs, conveyed the details of their demands.
According to the Congress, although the elections are impending and the model code of conduct is anticipated, the “interference” of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, other ministers, MLAs, and leaders from the ruling party continues to influence government activities.
Dhanopia stated that despite the premature announcement of BJP candidates, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is engaging in campaigning activities supported by government funds. The Congress contends that such government-backed events in favor of declared BJP candidates should be discontinued, and the corresponding expenses should be included in their election expenditure calculations.
In addition to their primary request, the Congress has put forward other suggestions, including the proposal to announce results in constituencies where winning candidates secure victory by a margin of fewer than 1,000 votes only after a double count.
During the 2018 assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress secured the highest number of seats at 114 out of the 230-member House. Subsequently, a coalition government was formed under Kamal Nath’s leadership, with the support of SP, BSP, and independent candidates. However, this government faced disruption when certain Congress MLAs defected to the BJP, leading to the collapse of the Nath administration. In March 2020, the BJP returned to power, with Shivraj Singh Chouhan taking on the role of Chief Minister once again.
