New Delhi: The Election Commission has asked recognised national and State political parties to strictly adhere to the norms on expenditure incurred by leaders and candidates contesting polls.

According to sources, the Commission, in a communication sent to the parties on Thursday, has drawn their attention to Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, under which the spending on account of the leaders' travel for campaigning is not deemed expenditure incurred by the candidate.

However, the benefit will be available only if the names of the leaders, 40 for a recognised party and 20 for an unrecognised party, are given to the Commission within seven days of the poll notification.

If any party fails to comply with the requirements, the benefit will not be available and the travel expenses of all leaders will be required to be included in the expenses of the candidates.

The communication assumes significance in the context of five States including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala going to the polls in April/May next.

Details of all vehicles being used by a candidate should be furnished to the District Election Officer. Motorbikes, scooters and mopeds are also covered under the instructions.

Where parties or candidates use aircraft/helicopter for campaign, prior information should be given to the Chief Electoral Officer of the State. Particulars of the number of aircraft/helicopters and the name of the company from which these are hired, along with the areas covered, should be furnished to the poll authorities.

The Commission on Thursday ordered the transfer of M. Sathyanarayana Murthy, Regional Administrator of Yanam in Pondicherry, for dereliction of duty in preparation of electoral rolls.

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