Election Commission notice to Maharashtra BJP, 7 other parties for not filing tax returns

The State Election Commission of Maharashtra (SECM) has issued notices to eight political parties, including BJP, for not submitting Income Tax returns and audited accounts despite repeated reminders. Besides the ruling BJP, the SECM has sent notices to Janata Dal (Secular), All India Forward Block, Lok Janashakti Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United), All India United Democratic Front and Indian Union Muslim League.

"They have been given time till September 9 to submit the documents or face the risk of their registration being cancelled," said SECM commissioner JS Saharia in a statement. The Commission had earlier sent notices to 17 recognised political parties. Nine of them complied while the rest did not. Notices were issued again on August 26. If they fail to respond in time, their registration with the SECM will be cancelled, said Saharia.

Further, they will not be allotted the election symbols reserved for them by the Election Commission of India. Apart from the recognised political parties, the SECM had issued similar notices to 326 unrecognised political parties. Of them, 78 outfits submitted the documents, while the registration of 248 outfits was cancelled for not doing so.