The EC To Ask Tax Authorities To Probe Finances Of Over 200 Political Parties

The Election Commission of India (EC) will write to income tax authorities to probe the finances of over 200 political parties that it has 'de-listed' for not contesting elections. The Commission has, over a period of time, identified various parties which have not contested polls since 2005, and de-listed over 200 of them.

In the coming days, the Commission will send this list to the tax authorities seeking action against them if they are found to be involved in money laundering. The EC believes that most of these parties exist to help people convert their black money into white through donations.

The EC has the directive to register a political party, but under electoral laws it cannot de-register any party. So the Commission used its authority under Article 324 of the Constitution to de-list parties. Aiming to stop the flow of black money in elections, the Commission has proposed a slew of electoral reforms, but most of them are pending with the government.