Maharashtra BJP gets EC notice, may be barred from contesting civic polls

The state election commission has proposed the restriction against BJP and other parties after the latter failed to submit documents related to Income Tax (I-T) and accounts books.

The Maharashtra wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and seven other political parties may not been allowed to contest the upcoming civic body elections if they fail to submit their Income Tax returns and audited accounts. The State Election Commission of Maharashtra (SECM) has sent a notice highlighting that the parties failed to submit the documents despite repeated reminders.

Taking a firm stance, the election commission has issued an ultimatum asking the parties to submit the requisite documents by Sep. 9 or get ready to face action. If they fail to meet the deadline, the BJP and the other seven parties will be de-registered and will not be allowed to contest the polls with its symbol.

"They have been asked to submit relevant documents within a stipulated time to avoid any action from the commission," JS Saharia, state election commissioner was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The other political parties are Janata Dal (Secular), All India Forward Bloc, Lok Janshakti Paksh, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United), All India United Democratic Front and Indian Union Muslim League.

"We have no issue in submitting old account books, but all such information is stored at party's central office in New Delhi. The central office has been informed about the notice," BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said.

In a similar move, the election commission had de-registered Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) in July. The party later paid a fine of Rs 1 lakh and submitted all the documents to get the registration restored.