BJP yet to submit 2013 polls spending statement: ADR

New Delhi, Jan 30: Election watchdog ADR today said the BJP is yet to submit its expenditure statement for 2013 Delhi Assembly polls to the Election Commission. Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) noted that there were as many as 114 candidates with criminal cases in the February 7 poll fray.

"The total funds collected by national parties during (2013) Assembly elections was Rs 94.72 lakh and total expenditure incurred by them was Rs 232 lakh. BJP, however, has not submitted its statement till date," Jagdeeo Chhokar, founder member of ADR, said at a press conference here.

"The AAP was an unrecognised party at the time of 2013 polls and is thus not required to submit an account of its election expenditure. However, in a letter to the ECI dated February 22, 2014, AAP had requested for a grace period of 15 days but the ECI hasn't received the statement yet," he said. Political parties are required to submit a statement of election expenditure to the Election Commission within 75 days of completion of Assembly elections, ADR said.

The expenditure statement contains details of the total amount received as funds in the form of cash, cheques and demand drafts and the total amount spent under various heads. The ADR in its report, which is an analysis of affidavits of 673 candidates contesting the upcoming polls, also highlighted that 114 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

PTI