52 minutes ago
Unrecognised Parties Funding Row, Money Laundering Concerns & ECI Powers
A debate examines the funding and functioning of registered unrecognised political parties across India, raising questions over alleged money laundering, hawala transactions, and tax evasion through poll donations. Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr S.Y. Quraishi pointed out that while registration remains simple, the Election Commission of India lacks statutory powers to de-register political parties following a Supreme Court ruling, making actions like de-listing ineffective. Transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj questioned the silence of central enforcement agencies, including the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Lokpal, despite significant donations flowing into unrecognised parties that often become untraceable. The discussion highlighted concerns regarding audit compliance, 100 percent income tax exemptions on political contributions, non-implementation of the Central Information Commission order bringing parties under the Right to Information Act, and the need for stricter accountability mechanisms.
