Expenditure: Harsimrat served three notices

SAD’s Bathinda candidate Harsimrat Kaur Badal was on Monday served notice for the third time as her expenditure register failed to match with the shadow register maintained by poll observers. While as per Harsimrat’s register, she has spent Rs 30.33 lakh till April 27, the shadow register showed an expenditure of Rs 40.10 lakh. The expenditure incurred on the April 26 Narendra Modi rally in Bathinda is yet to be included in her register. In terms of party fund, SAD has spent Rs 70.15 lakh so far.

The major difference in shadow and candidate’s register was found in SAD leader and Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans’ expenditure account. According to poll observers, while Hans had performed at a number of functions with his troupe, SAD has claimed that he was not hired but he, being part of the party, sang a few songs. The observers, not convinced by the explanation, have maintained the expenses as Rs 40.10 lakh.

A meeting is likely to be held in which all videos will be seen again to match the expenses, said DC-cum-Returning Officer K K Yadav.