Manhas alleges violation of Co-operative Election Expenses Rule in CCBL polls

BS Manhas addressing a press conference at Jammu on Friday. —Excelsior/Rakesh
BS Manhas addressing a press conference at Jammu on Friday. —Excelsior/Rakesh

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 18:  Alleging violation of J&K Co-operative Societies Rule relating to election expenses, one of the contesting candidates,   B S Manhas has sought action against the erring officer.
He also alleged that a panel of candidates was being backed by elements of criminal background thus establishing the nexus between such contestants and criminals, whose attempts for returning to the CCBL Boards of Directors need to be thwarted by the shareholders.
Talking to media persons, here today, Manhas informed that the Returning Officers and Deputy District Election Officer Jammu has requested the Managing Director of Citizens’ Co-operative Bank Ltd Jammu to place an amount of Rs 5 lakh at his disposal for preparation of the elections while more than Rs 5.50 lakh stand already spent by him from the kitty of the bank though law does not allow him to do so. “As per Rule 20(c) of the J&K Co-operative Societies Rules,  relating  to election expenses, a society with a paid up share capital of more than Rs one lakh shall not incur expenditure of more than Rs two thousand on election,” he said.
Manhas alleged that spending spree at the hands of RO from the expenses of the bank is a glaring example of gross misuse and abuse of powers by an official of the Government. The election authority has imposed an embargo upon the contesting candidates not to spend more than Rs 50 thousands during the entire electioneering whereas the fact remains that this  officer is conducting himself in a brazen and un-bridled manner thereby causing extensive loss to the bank,” he added and appealed DC Jammu, who is election authority, to look into this aspect of the matter as to how the bank is being charged for incurring the expenses of elections whereas neither  the legislatures nor any other elected body pays  out  of its coffers any election expenses.
Manhas also drew attention towards an advertisement got published in support of a particular panel of candidates by a person of criminal background.
“The shareholders must reject such elements and ensure that they may not succeed in   returning to the Board of Directors,” he said and also appealed the political parties to desist from influencing the CCBL elections.

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