New Delhi: The Election Commission is likely to ask the Income Tax authorities to look into the finances of political parties it has 'delisted' over a period of time for not contesting elections.
The Commission has, over a period of time, identified various parties which have not contested elections since 2005 and has 'delisted' over 200 of them.
The Election Commission believes that most of them exist on papers to help people convert their back money into white by accepting donations.
In the next few days, the Commission will send the list of the delisted parties to the income tax authorities seeking action against relevant laws if they are found to be involved in money laundering.
While the poll watchdog has the mandate to register a political party, it lacks power under electoral laws to deregister any party.
As its demand to get power to deregister a party is pending with the Law Ministry, the Commission used its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to delist parties for being dormant and not contesting elections for a long time.
There are over 1780 registered, but unrecognised political parties in the country. Besides, there are seven national parties -- BJP, Congress, BSP, TMC, CPI, CMI-M and NCP -- and 58 state parties.
Seeking to stem flow of black money in elections, the Commission has proposed a slew of electoral reforms but most are pending with the government.
The Commission has, over a period of time, identified various parties which have not contested elections since 2005 and has 'delisted' over 200 of them.
The Election Commission believes that most of them exist on papers to help people convert their back money into white by accepting donations.
While the poll watchdog has the mandate to register a political party, it lacks power under electoral laws to deregister any party.
Advertisement
There are over 1780 registered, but unrecognised political parties in the country. Besides, there are seven national parties -- BJP, Congress, BSP, TMC, CPI, CMI-M and NCP -- and 58 state parties.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Explained: Why Election Commission Changed Haryana Voting Date Haryana Poll Dates Revised From October 1 To 5, Counting Of Votes 3 Days Later J&K Orders Transfer Of 7 Police Officers Following Poll Body Directive 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel China, Russia Concerned About India-US Relationship: Top American Diplomat "Wear Proper Undergarments": Delta Airlines' New Memo For Flight Attendants North Korea Fires 'Unidentified Ballistic Missile': Report Liquor, Drugs Worth Rs 26.82 Crore Seized In Haryana Since Poll Code UN Says Lebanon Pager Blasts 'Extremely Concerning Escalation' Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.