Election Commission to Verify Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar's Affidavit Claiming 'Rs 680 Taxable Income'

Following a complaint lodged by Congress, the Election Commission has requested the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to verify the affidavit of BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. In his affidavit, Chandrasekhar declared his taxable income for 2021-2022 as Rs 680, according to sources.

The Congress filed a complaint with the commission against Chandrasekhar, a Union minister, accusing him of providing misleading information about his financial status in his election affidavit. The party claimed that this act contravenes the Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Indian Penal Code.

Sources indicate that the commission has requested the CBDT to verify the declarations made by Chandrasekhar in his affidavit. As per the regulations, candidates are obligated to provide details of their taxable income, assets (both movable and immovable), and liabilities. They are also required to disclose the same financial details for their spouse.