Election Commission Asks CBDT To Verify Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s Poll Affidavit Details (image-twitter/Rajeev_GoI)

The Election Commission on Tuesday directed the Centre Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to verify the poll affidavit filed by the Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, contesting as the BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram constituency. Earlier a complaint was filed by Congress party to the poll body for allegedly giving false information about his financial status in the election affidavit.

The BJP leader is in the fray against the former UN diplomat and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The grand old party has further alleged that this was a violation of the Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Indian Penal Code.

The Union minister in his affidavit has declared Rs 680 as his taxable income for 2021-2022. As per the rules, the candidate is required to submit details of their taxable income, assets, both movable and immovable, and liabilities. Candidates are also directed to share the financial details of their spouses.

If any information in nomination papers or affidavit is concealed, the offense is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine, or both.

On April 5, Chandrasekhar in his Lok Sabha election affidavit had declared assets worth over ₹28 crore. According to the affidavit, the total value of the BJP leader”s movable assets stands at ₹13,69,18,637, while his spouse possesses assets valued at ₹12,47,00,408.

His movable assets also comprise of a 1942 model Red Indian Scout, registered in Karnataka and purchased in 1994 for ₹10,000, along with jewellery, bullion, and other valuable items valued at over ₹3.25 crore. The BJP leader”s immovable assets include self-acquired property purchased at a price of ₹5,26,42,640, with an approximate current market value of ₹14,40,00,000.