53 per cent without PAN!

Although Lakhpati and crorepati candidates are contesting the LS polls in Gujarat but a majority of them do not have PAN numbers!

Although Lakhpati and crorepati candidates contesting Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat but a majority of them do not have Permanent Account (PAN) numbers!

HT Image

A finding by city-based voluntary organisation Gujarat Election Watch Committee (GEWC), has revealed that more than half of 162 candidates in fray for the coming Lok Sabha elections do not possess PAN numbers.

Revealing contents of the findings based on affidavits filed by candidates, GEWC co-ordinator Jagdeep Chhokar told newsmen here today that 86 of the total 162 candidates do not possess PAN numbers.

"Interestingly, three candidates who have declared assets of above Rs one crore and several who have assets upto several lakhs do not have PAN number," he said, adding "several candidates have stated in their affidavits that they have applied for PAN number."

The three crorepatis includes Congress candidates Mohammed Fansiwala and Veerji Thummar contesting Bharuch and Amreli Lok Sabha seats respectively and one independent candidate.

Eight from Congress, three from BJP, 41 independent candidates and 34 belonging to "other parties" do not possess PAN number, the finding said.