IT to note: large number of crorepati candidates have not paid tax

Lucknow: Believe it or not, as many as 58 per cent candidates , independents and others, who have contested assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and who have incomes totalling crores of rupees do not pay income tax.

This revelation has been made in the latest report of the Association for Democratic Reforms, a watch-dog keeping an eye on the " mananiyas" (honourable members).

In terms of number, the figures total 218. All these who are associated with one political party or the other and who are crorepatis are yet to file Income Tax Returns (ITR).

Three names stand out in this connection. One of them, Ajay Pratap Singh, who sought election from Gonda, has movable and immovable properties worth Rs 49 crores. Another, Amar Singh Yadav, who has assets of more than Rs 20 crores is seeking election from Hathras .

The non-compliance of IT orders is not confined to any group or community. For, Zakir Ali ,who has contested from Ghaziabad has declared wealth to the tune of Rs 18 crores. He is too has not filed a return.

Some other details available from affidavits filed by election candidates are as revealing. For instance, as many as 1210 candidates, independents and others, do not have PAN numbers. So, the details about them may not be found in the data bank.

All these may be ploys to avoid paying taxes.

Also read:Assembly polls in UP will go down as bitterly fought battle