The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Verify poll affidavit filed by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, EC tells CBDT
BJP’S Thiruvananthapuram candidate has declared `680 as taxable income
ACTING ON a complaint filed by the Congress, the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday asked the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to verify the poll affidavit submitted by Union Minister and BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in which he has declared `680 as taxable income for 2021-2022, sources said.
The Congress had on Monday submitted a complaint to the EC against Chandrasekhar for allegedly giving false information about his financial status in his election affidavit. Alleging infirmities in the values of assets, investments and income, the party said this was a violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Indian Penal Code.
Chandrasekhar was unavailable for comment.
According to EC sources, the poll panel has asked the CBDT to verify Chandrasekhar's declaration in his affidavit with its records. As per the rules, candidates are required to submit details of their taxable income, movable and immovable assets, and liabilities. They are also required to share the same financial details of their spouse.
In its complaint, the Congress asked the EC to order re-assessment
of the affidavit filed by Chandrasekhar on April 4. “Upon a careful examination of Mr Chandrasekhar’s affidavit, it is evident that there are glaring discrepancies in the assets declared by him and the actual assets that he possesses and owns,” it said.
The party said this was not the first time that the EC had received a complaint about an affidavit filed by Chandrasekhar. In September 2022, the EC had forwarded one such complaint to the CBDT to “ascertain the veracity of the allegations and take necessary action as per extant laws”. This, the Congress said, was “to no avail”.
Meanwhile, EC sources said the returning officer (RO) had done what was required — checked if all columns in the affidavit were filled and uploaded it on the poll panel's website. The RO cannot verify the details mentioned in the affidavit, said sources. In case there is any discrepancy in the affidavit, a petition can be filed after polls, said sources, adding that the EC had acted before polling this time since it had received a complaint.