New Delhi: Amid continuing I-T Department raids on persons considered close to opposition parties, Union Finance Ministry has told EC that enforcement actions by its revenue department are always “neutral”, “impartial” and “non-discriminatory,” irrespective of political affiliation.
The Revenue Department of the ministry, in its letter, has also urged the Election Commission to advise its field officers to take “immediate action” if they come across any specific information about the use of illicit money in the electoral process.
The Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are the executive arms of the Revenue Department dealing with financial crimes. The poll panel’s letter on Sunday came amid allegations that the government was using the agencies to target rival parties in the election season.
The Election Commission had on Sunday said that enforcement actions during the election period, even when conducted ruthlessly with a view to curbing this blatant electoral malpractice, should be absolutely neutral, impartial and non-discriminatory.”
“The department fully agrees with the observation that there is a need to conduct operations ruthlessly to contain this malpractice. Before such operations are undertaken, there has to be information and actionable intelligence available with Income Tax authorities so that they can act in the matter. As a rule, we always follow that practice,” the Revenue Department said.
