Who are star campaigners?
They can be described as persons who are nominated by parties to campaign in a given set of Constituencies. These persons are, in almost all cases, prominent and popular faces within the Party. However there are no specific definitions according to law or the Election Commission of India.
Conditions for star campaigners
- Star campaigners of a party will not exceed 40 where it is a recognized political party. For parties that are deemed unrecognized, the number of star campaigners will not be more than 20.
- According to Section 77 (b) of The Representation of People’s Act, 1951 expenses incurred by the campaigner shall not be deemed to be expenditure in connection with the election. In other words, the expenses will be borne by the respective political party. [However if a star campaigner is present with the candidate on stage while campaigning, then half the expenditure of the event will go to the candidate’s account].
- The manual to the Model Code of Conduct states that for the benefit of availing Section 77 (1) of The Representation of People’s Act, a permit for the mode of transport for every star campaigner will be issued centrally and against their name. It is also mandatory for this permit to be stuck on a prominent and visible place on the vehicle.
- The Model Code of Conduct states that if the star campaigner is a prime minister or a former prime minister, then expenses incurred for bullet-proof vehicles required by centrally appointed security personnel will be borne by the government.
