At least three Gujarat MPs spent substantial sums from their development funds to build walls around shrines, crematoriums, and cemeteries. The secular splurge to woo constituents has been revealed in a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report analyzes the use of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds, covering the spending of 13 MPs.

The report shows that L K Advani (MP from Gandhinagar), Paresh Rawal (Ahmedabad East), and Rajesh Chudasama (Junagadh) provided extensive funds for the construction of boundary walls.

Rawal gave Rs 5 lakh to build boundary walls around Mahadevji Temple and Hanumanji Temple in Kamiyala near Dholera. He allocated Rs 5 lakh to taluka panchayat to build a protection wall in Dholera. Advani gave Rs 5 lakh to construct a boundary wall in Mansa.

Chudasama, the first-time MP from Junagadh, spent considerable sums on compound walls for crematoriums and cemeteries. His constituency has sizable Hindu and Muslim populations. According to the ADR report, he spent Rs 2.5 lakh in Itali, Rs 1 lakh in Akala, Rs 1.5 lakh in Janjhesar, and Rs 1 lakh in Rajpara for constructing compound walls for crematoriums. He also spent Rs 1.5 lakh in Dudhala and Rs 1 lakh at Rajpara for constructing compound walls for cemeteries.

According to the ADR report, many of the 13 MPs spent 50% or more of the total MPLADS grant on the construction of roads. Money was given for such projects to taluka development officers, nagarpalikas, NGOs, taluka panchayats, and gram panchayats.

Pankti Jog of Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel said that details are collated on the basis of submissions made by district authorities. “The details might not reflect the realities on the ground but provide a fair picture of the spending by MPs,” she said.