AAP's funding under scanner, EC writes to Home-Ministry to investigate
The Election Commission (EC) wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), soliciting a probe into the "irregularities in funding to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)". The Income-Tax (I-T) Department had highlighted the discrepancies in AAP's funding process. The request was sent to MHA as EC is not an investigating body. It is now up to MHA to further the investigation.
AAP's funding history
AAP told the Election Commission that in 2013-14 it accepted contributions of Rs. 9.42 crore when it first came to power in New Delhi. In 2014-15, the party witnessed a 275% fund's spike from the previous year to the tune of Rs. 35.28 crore.
AAP asked to explain foreign funds by Home Ministry
The Union home ministry questioned the AAP about the foreign funds the party has received. AAP called this political witch-hunt but ministry officials claimed the information sought was a "routine exercise under which all political parties are asked to share details of their foreign funding from time to time". The ministry also clarified that no 'show-cause notice' had been issued yet.
AAP sets new fund-raising record in Canada
AAP's in charge of fund-raising in Canada revealed that the party had amassed funds over Rs. 3 crore in Canada. This one-month collection equals the total raised in 2013, 2015 Delhi Assembly elections and 2014 Lok Sabha elections cumulatively from Canada.
I-T Department reveals more irregularities in AAP funding
The I-T department revealed that AAP has been incapable of explaining the source of Rs. 2 crore of donations received before 2015 election. The officials recognized a single address under which 188 companies were registered which funded AAP. Accounts of a certain Priya Bansal who donated Rs. 90lakh when the tax-payable on her income was Rs. 4,000 were also under the I-T department's scanner.
Kapil Mishra says AAP collected funds through Hawala network
Kapil Mishra, the sacked Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister increased the AAP's woes by leveling a new set of assaults against Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that the party obtained funds through 'hawala network'. Mishra through a powerpoint presentation revealed to the press 'evidence' to support his claims that AAP received money from shell companies. He said those evading VAT had also donated to AAP.
Income Tax department finds flaws in AAP's funding process
In its report to EC, the I-T department revealed alleged discrepancies and irregularities in AAP's audit report. I-T department also asserted that the party relinquished a "wrong" audit report, and, hence, was not qualified for an exemption. Moreover, AAP failed to follow the conditions mandated by Section 13 (A). The I-T department said AAP should be de-recognised as a party.
