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Context: Many political parties have appointed “Star Campaigners” for campaigning during the election.

About Star Campaigners

• The rules around star campaigners are governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act). The Act outlines specific provisions regarding their appointment, benefits, and potential issues that may arise during election campaigns.

Legal Provisions and Appointment of Star Campaigners

• Definition of Star Campaigners: Section 77 of the RP Act defines star campaigners. These individuals, often prominent party members or celebrities, are appointed by recognized political parties (national or state) or registered unrecognized parties to campaign during elections.
• Appointment Limits: A recognized political party can appoint a maximum of 40-star campaigners, while a registered unrecognized political party can appoint up to 20. The names of these star campaigners must be communicated to the Election Commission (EC) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the states within seven days of election notification.
• Election Phase Specificity: In the case of multi-phase elections, political parties can submit separate lists of star campaigners for different phases. However, parties commonly provide a single list applicable across all phases within a state.

Benefits and Expenditure

• Expenditure Exemption: Expenditure incurred by star campaigners on travel (by air or other means) for campaigning is not considered part of the election expenditure of the party's candidates. This exemption helps candidates remain within the prescribed expenditure limit.
• Conditions for Exemption: The exemption applies when star campaigners limit themselves to general campaigning for the party. If they ask for votes for specific candidates or share the stage with them during rallies, the rally/meeting expenses are added to the election expenditure of those candidates.

Issues and EC Advisory

• Advisory on Campaign Decorum: The Election Commission has issued advisories to political parties, emphasizing the need for decorum and issue-based debate during campaigning. Star campaigners are warned against using inappropriate language, appealing to caste/communal sentiments, or making unsubstantiated allegations.
• Instances of Violations: Past instances include the removal of star campaigner status due to inflammatory remarks violating the Model Code of Conduct. However, challenges arise in accurately assessing and allocating expenditure for rallies/meetings involving star campaigners.

Proposed Amendments

• Role of Election Commission: There are suggestions to empower the Election Commission to revoke star campaigner status in cases of serious violations of conduct rules. This could ensure greater accountability and campaign decorum.
• Strengthen Expenditure Assessment: Efforts are needed to enhance the assessment and apportionment of rally/meeting expenses involving star campaigners to reflect actual market rates accurately.

Conclusion

• The rules around star campaigners under the RP Act play a crucial role in election campaigning, balancing the need for effective campaigning with regulatory oversight to maintain fairness and integrity in electoral processes.

Must Read Articles:

Star Campaigner in Election

Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Star Campaigner in Indian elections: 1. Star campaigners are individuals who must be members of the political party appointing them. 2. A recognized political party can appoint a maximum of 40-star campaigners for an election. 3. Expenditure incurred by star campaigners on travel for campaigning is included in the election expenditure of the candidate they support. 4. If a star campaigner seeks votes in the name of contesting candidates during a rally, the rally's expenses become part of the candidate's election expenditure. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Star campaigners are usually the top leaders of a political party but can include other celebrities as well. Statement 2 is correct: A recognized political party can appoint a maximum of 40-star campaigners. Statement 3 is incorrect:  The Representation of the People Act provides that expenditure incurred by the star campaigners on account of travel by air or any other means of transport for campaigning for their political party shall not be deemed to be part of the election expenditure of a candidate of such party. Statement 4 is correct: If in any rally/meeting organized, the star campaigner seeks votes in the name of contesting candidate(s) or shares the stage with them, then the rally/meeting expense shall be apportioned to the election expenditure of such candidate(s).