The Election Commission served show cause notice to Arvind’s AAP

The move comes after report by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on the alleged concealment of donations by the party.

The Election Commission on Tuesday served a show-cause notice on the Aam Aadmi Party seeking an explanation for alleged incorrect disclosures on contributions.

The move comes after report by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on the alleged concealment of donations by the party.

Asking why action should not be taken against the party under Para 16A of the Election Symbol (Reservation & Allotment) order 1968 for failure to follow its lawful directions, the Commission sought its response within 20 days.

“Your representation should reach the office of the Commission within 20 days from the date of receipt of the notice, failing which the matter will be decided on merits based on information available on record,” said the notice.

The original report contained a list of 2,696 donors with the total donation amounting to over Rs.37.45 crore and the revised report showed the total amount as Rs.37.60 crore received from 8,264 donors.

Action based on CBDT report

However, a report was submitted to the EC by the Central Board of Direct Taxes in January 2018, “regarding the concealment of donations received by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during Financial Year 2014-15 and other discrepancies…”

The report alleged concealment of donations.

“It is stated that the bank account of the AAP has recorded total credits of Rs.67.67 crore, including Rs.64.44 crore from donations in excess of Rs.20,0001. However, the party has disclosed total income of Rs.54.15 crore from donations in its audited accounts for the year,” said the EC.

Therefore, the report said, it has been held by the Assessing Officer that Rs.13.16 crore have not been accounted for by the party and these donations have been held to be from unknown sources.