While government and other official websites have been stripped of photos of ministers and leaders along with content relating to their achievements, it is difficult to extend similar steps for blogs, websites and mobile networks of political leaders.

“The code of conduct and purview in terms of content, expenditure and time is restricted to the candidates and parties. The SMSes circulated from the candidates and parties are on the radar. Other newer mediums will have to be examined. Blogs and websites raise other issues of ownership and accounting in terms of expenditure — the problem is how do you establish the ownership and control them? As far as the websites of government and other bodies are concerned, there are laid-down regulations,” said Debashish Chakraborty, Chief Election Officer, Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra electoral office has now asked telecommunication networks for information on the use of SMS services by parties and candidates. In a recent directive, the Election Commissioner has announced that each candidate has a cap of Rs 25 lakh for expenditure.