The Election Commission has sought a clarification from Nepali Congress leader Shashank Koirala over his statement that he spent Rs60 million during the last parliamentary elections in 2017.

While speaking at a public function on Saturday, Koirala said that he had spent Rs 60 million in the last parliamentary elections.

The Election Commission had set a cap of Rs2.5 million per candidate during the last elections.

In his affidavit filed at the Election Commission, Koirala had mentioned that his election expense was Rs2.175 million.

“The Election Commission has sought clarification from Congress leader Shashank Koirala about his statement,” said Surya Prasad Aryal, assistant spokesperson of Election Commission. “Since he had presented his details of expenditure within the limit set by the commission, the clarification has been sought.”

Koirala has been asked to furnish clarification within seven days.

Referring to how elections are becoming expensive by the years, Koirala said at a programme in Kathmandu that he has won three elections and has spent around Rs100 million.

“I have won three elections from Nawalparasi. In the first election, my expenditure was Rs80,000, in the second election it reached Rs30 million and in the last election, it was Rs60 million,” said Koirala. “If any of you want to contest the election, I am ready to vacate it for you. Why are the elections so expensive? Who can contest the elections now? As soon as you say you will contest the election, you need to arrange at least Rs60 million to Rs70 million.”