Indian-origin UK MP being probed for 'accepting donations from foreign sources'

London, Sept 15 (ANI): The UK Electoral Commission has launched an investigation into the claims that the India Tourism office in London had donated 5,000 pounds for a party to celebrate Labour MP Virendra Sharma's general election victory.

According to the UK's Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, accepting donations from foreign sources is illegal.

The Telegraph quoted a spokesman for the commission, as saying that it has begun an "assessment" of what, if any, involvement the Indian-born Sharma had with the donation.

The party was held on May 23 last year at Monsoon Banqueting Suites in Southall, Sharma's constituency in west London, and was attended by David Miliband, the former foreign secretary, and Labour donor Lord Paul.

According to the report, an invoice of 5,000 pounds was allegedly sent to the tourist office, Incredible India.

Jagdish Chander, its director, received a letter thanking him for funding the event.

Under India's Right to Information laws, Incredible India has provided documents that claimed it provided the donation.

The invoice is alleged to have been fake, with a forged signature, the paper said.

Meanwhile, Sharma has welcomed the opportunity to have the facts properly examined and assured that he would fully co-operate with the Electoral Commission so that this matter can be resolved. (ANI)