Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, criticized the Congress party on Friday, suggesting that their failure to pay income taxes indicates a lack of support for welfare activities and the disadvantaged. Sarma’s comments came after the Congress received a tax notice demanding ₹1823 crore. He argued that by not paying taxes, the party is hindering public welfare efforts, particularly those aimed at supporting the poor and marginalized.
In response, Congress leader Ajay Maken alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also violated income tax laws and should receive a demand notice of ₹4600 crore. Jairam Ramesh, another Congress leader, accused the BJP of engaging in “tax terrorism,” suggesting that the government is deliberately targeting opposition parties financially.
Ajay Maken further claimed that the Income Tax department is unfairly targeting the Congress and other opposition parties. He pointed to a previous incident where the party’s bank accounts were allegedly frozen illegally ahead of a general election.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Congress party, promised stringent action against those he perceives as undermining democracy once the government changes. He emphasized that such actions would ensure that similar attempts to stifle opposition voices would not occur in the future.
In response to the perceived targeting by the Modi government, Jairam Ramesh announced that the Congress would organize protests against what he called “continuing tax terrorism.” He stated that all Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs) would hold massive demonstrations at state and district headquarters, with senior leaders and party functionaries participating.
The conflict between the Congress and the BJP over income tax issues reflects the broader political tensions in Bharat. While the Congress accuses the BJP of unfairly targeting opposition parties, the BJP argues that it is merely enforcing tax laws impartially. As both sides dig in their heels, the situation could escalate, further polarizing the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
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