IT officials to track affidavits filing by candidates to find violations

Hyderabad: With the nominations process taking place from November 3, income-tax (IT) department officials are all set to track financial transactions of contesting candidates in Assembly elections.

The income-tax department officials said that they would keep an eye on affidavits being filed by the contesting candidates and they would obtain affidavits in which the contesting candidates provide their assets, financial transactions, and the financial status of family members.

"Based on the affidavits, the income-tax department teams will monitor thoroughly on the income-tax returns (ITRs) based on the affidavits. If any violations are found, the IT officials will submit a report to the Election Commission for taking further action. The IT officials will monitor the affidavits of contesting candidates and financial details even six months after the elections are completed," the income-tax department officials said.

In the 2018 Assembly election, the I-T officials found violations of several affidavits submitted by the candidates and presented their reports to the Election Commission. However, the details of previous cases were not revealed.

According to reports, as many as 1,821 candidates had contested in all 119 Assembly constituencies during the 2018 Assembly elections.. Of the 1,821 candidates, at least 430 candidates were the richest persons having business activities. At least 90 per cent of total candidates — 107 candidates from ruling BRS -- were richest as per their affidavits in 2018.

As many as 85 candidates from the BJP have declared their properties, immovable and movable assets including regular business activities and 70 candidates from the Congress had well money backgrounds.

Keeping the previous affidavits submitted by the candidates for reference, the income-tax department officials have informed Election Commission officials to provide affidavits being filed by the contesting candidates on daily basis till the completion of the last date of nominations for proper verification. While monitoring election duties in all districts in Telangana, special teams  have been formed for tracking candidates' affidavits.

Richest candidates in 2018 elections

Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy (Munugode, Congress) topped having Rs 314 crore.

Muthyala Sunil Kumar contested from Balkonda from BSP possessed assets Rs 182 crore

Marri Janardhan Reddy contested from ruling BRS from Nagarkurnool and possessed assets Rs 161 crore.

Anil Kumar Reddy Kumbam, Congress party candidate possessed Rs 152 crore.

K. Kusuma Kumar Reddy, contested as an independent candidate, possessed Rs 149 crore.

Gajjala Yoganand, BJP candidate possessed Rs 146 crore

Kasani Gnaneshwar Mudhiraj contested from Congress party Rs 131 crore

Gaddam Vinod contested from BSP possessed Rs 131 crore

Nama Nageswara Rao contested from TD Rs 112 crore