Santu spends double the amount disclosed to EC

BNP-led four-party alliance candidate in Barisal-2 (Uzirpur) Constituency have already spent about Tk 16 lakh in his election campaign which is double the amount he told the Election Commission as his estimated polls expense.
Santu in his affidavit to the EC said his election budget is Tk 8 lakh. As per the Election Rule of Conduct a candidate in Barisal-2 constituency can spend highest Tk 11.27 lakh on election through operating bank accounts, deputy commissioner (DC) and returning officer for Barisal Mushfiq Ahmad Shamim told The Daily Star.
Sardar Sharfuddin Ahmed Santu, former divisional coordinator of PDP recently joined BNP.
According to the Election Commission sources Santu is one of the richest candidate in Barisal division. He lost Barisal city mayoral race for 588 votes.
Santu has setup 26 election offices or camps in each of the two upazilas and one Pourashava including 9 wards. To maintain each of this camp he has to spend at least Tk 1,000 per day and more than Tk 2 lakh for campaign through each of these 26 camps.
Santu has also engaged least 20 publicity teams in every camp, sources said.
Santu will spend at least Tk 12 lakh for printing and hoisting posters, banners, placards, bringing out processions and arranging publicity meetings till the election.
On the election day, the expense of each candidate would be at least Tk 2.85 lakh for different purposes.
Manirul Islam, deputy election commissioner told The Daily Star that after election is over the authorities would check whether a candidate has spent more than his estimated cost given in his affidavit and violated the Election Code of Conduct. He said action would be taken against the violators of the Rules.
'It is impossible to say how much money has already been spent but I will not spend money violating the election law, Santu told The Daily Star.
'Grassroots leaders and activists are helping me but I am not receiving any donation from them," he added.
Sharfuddin Santu in his affidavit said that he has no profession, but owned properties worth Tk. 1.64 core with yearly income of Tk. 3.99 lakh and expenditure of Tk. 3.6 lakh.
Santu passed SSC. His personal and family wealth including movable and immovable assets were valued at Tk 3.79 core.