Thaindian News

Kolkata, April 27 (IANS) The Election Commission (EC) Wednesday shot off a letter to West Bengal’s main opposition Trinamool Congress seeking an explanation on the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist’s allegation that it used black money for canvassing during the ongoing state assembly polls, a senior official said.

The EC action followed senior CPI-M leader Gautam Deb’s allegation that the Trinamool was using illegal money and had got two demand drafts of huge amounts in violation of the model code of conduct.

“The Trinamool Congress has been sent a letter asking it to explain as to the circumstances that led to the party transacting two demand drafts amounting in excess of Rs.1 crore from two different banks through cash, violating the model code of conduct and RBI (Reserve Bank of India) guidelines,” Joint Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar said.

The two demand drafts were worth Rs.1 crore and Rs.23 lakh from United Bank of India, and Rs.10 lakh from Allahabad Bank, informed Sarkar.

As per RBI guidelines, any transaction of Rs.50,000 and above cannot be done in cash.

According to the model code of conduct, payment of any high amount by contesting candidates has to be done through cheques.

“The chairmen of the two respective banks have also been sent letters asking them to explain as to why they allowed the transaction of the drafts, violating the RBI guidelines. They have been asked to send a report to the EC by Friday,” added Sarkar.

Sarkar also said the letters to the bank chairmen will be dispatched Thursday as Wednesday was a holiday on account of the third phase of polls.

“A letter has also been sent to the RBI asking it to enquire into the matter and send a report to the EC within three days. Once we get all the reports, further action will be initiated,” added Sarkar.

Asked whether the EC was probing the source of the money, he said it was beyond the scope of the commission and that the Income Tax (Investigation Directorate) has been asked to look into this aspect.