Black money in polls: EC writes to political parties

New Delhi, Dec 27: In order to curb the use of black money during assembly polls in five states, the Election Commission has written to all political parties asking them to avoid cash transactions and instruct their cadres not to carry huge cash during elections.

The Commission, in this context, has written a letter to all recognised political parties in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur, enlisting the steps it has undertaken to "curb use of money power during elections".

"In order to maintain the purity of elections and in particular to bring transparency in the process of elections, it is advised that political parties avoid transactions in cash and should instruct their office bearers, officials, agents and candidates not to carry huge cash during the ensuing process of elections," the EC wrote in its December 26 letter.

The Commission has advised candidates to open separate bank accounts for their election expenses and to make all election expenses through the said bank accounts.

The EC has also issued fresh directions to the chiefs of Income Tax (Investigation) department in all these states to "keep vigil over" financial brokers and hawala agents including keeping track on illegal movement of cash at airports and through other transit locations.

PTI