EC Directs CBDT To Verify BJP Candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar's Affidavit After 'Discrepancy' Complaint

Rajeev Chandrasekhar is contesting against Thiruvananthapuram sitting MP Shashi Tharoor of Congress and Pannian Raveendran of CPI.

Both the LDF and UDF have raised concerns regarding the reported income and valuation of assets disclosed in Chandrasekhar's affidavit submitted for the Lok Sabha Elections. ( Image Source :X/@Rajeev_GoI )

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to investigate any disparities in the affidavit particulars provided by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP's candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat. The ECI initiated action based on a complaint lodged by the Indian National Congress. 

According to ANI, sources said, "Indian National Congress (INC) had sent a complaint to ECI regarding mismatch in actual and declared assets in his affidavit by Rajeev Chandrasekhar. As per procedure, ECI today directed CBDT to check the affidavit and verify the mismatch if any. According to rule any mismatch and falsification of affidavit is dealt with under Section 125 A of the RP Act 1951."

Election Commission of India (ECI) directs the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to verify any mismatch in affidavit details submitted by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP's candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat.

Indian National Congress (INC) had sent a complaint to ECI…

— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2024

 

As per the law, concealing any information in nomination papers or affidavit is punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months, or with a fine, or both, according to a report on PTI.

Both the LDF and UDF have raised concerns regarding the reported income and valuation of assets disclosed in Chandrasekhar's affidavit submitted for the Lok Sabha Elections.

According to a report on Manorama, Rajeev Chandrasekhar's income dropped by 100% and his wife's income rose by over 500% in the last 7 years. The income of Union IT MoS declined from Rs 10.8 crore in the financial year 2018-19 to nearly Rs 5.6 lakh in 2022-23.

Chandrasekhar is contesting against Thiruvananthapuram sitting MP Shashi Tharoor of Congress and Pannian Raveendran of CPI.