EC writes to CBDT; commends role during Assembly polls

The Election Commission (EC) has complimented the Income Tax department for doing a commendable job in checking illegal funds during the recently concluded polls in states like Uttar Pradesh and the Rajya Sabha polls in Jharkhand.

"This is to convey the appreciation of the Commission for the good work done by various investigation directorates of the Income Tax department in the Commission's efforts to curb money power in recent general elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur and the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand.

"Your directorates in Lucknow, Panchkula, Kolkata, Bangalore and Ranchi kept a close vigil over movement of illegal cash in the states concerned during the election process," Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S Y Quraishi wrote to Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman Laxman Das.

Quraishi also expressed desire to get similar support from the CBDT in future polls.
"The officers did a commendable job in ensuring purity of the election process through prompt and timely intervention in a challenging situation," Quraishi said.

The CEC also lauded the new counter-black money cell created in the Commission, headed by senior IRS (Income Tax) officer P K Dash, which liaised with the I-T to detect illegal funds and check money power during the polls.

"Their collective efforts yielded substantial results in curbing the role of money power in the recent elections. The Commission looks forward to continued cooperation from the CBDT," he said.

The EC also commended the role of the central and state excise and police and paramilitary forces during the polls.

Uttar Pradesh saw the maximum amount of cash being seized during restrictions imposed in the run-up to the Assembly elections in five states, while Punjab topped the seizures for drugs and illicit liquor.

Rs 37.46 crore in cash was seized in Uttar Pradesh during polls, accounting for 72 per cent of the cash seizures.