The Election Commission (EC) is all set to write to the Income Tax authorities, asking them to look into the finances of over 200 political parties. These are the parties that the EC has 'delisted' over a period of time for not contesting elections since 2005.
The poll panel believes that most of them exist on paper to help people convert their black 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, under electoral laws, it lacks the power to de-register any party.
As its demand to get power to de-register 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 1,780 registered, but unrecognised political parties in the country. Besides, there are seven national parties – BJP, Congress, BSP, TMC, CPI, CMI-M and NCP along with 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.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)