DC seeks clarification

VADODARA, Oct 27: Suspecting discrepancies in the election expenditures in at least two assembly segments of the district, Collector Anil Mukim has sought clarifications from the taluka level officials. Dismissing any chances of a 8220;scam8221;, an election office spokesman said the overall expenditure this year had been less than any in the past few polls.

While the average figure was around Rs 70 lakhs, this year8217;s expenditure was Rs 50 lakhs, despite the inclusion of such devices as protective tin-sheds on booths in the expenses, he said. Inflated catering bills had been detected in Jetpurpavi and Padra, he said, but added that preliminary reports attributed it to the 8220;quite sensitive8221; poll battle between the two major political parties.

Officials claimed that extra expenditure of over Rs 2 lakh was incurred as this year they had opted to set up temporary offices instead of the usual practice of occupying some institution belonging to workers of either political parties.