Himanta Sarma criticizes Congress over tax notice, claims ‘anti-poor’.
Congress served tax notice, demands ₹1823 crore payment.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma did not hold back in his criticism of the Congress on Friday, following the revelation of an income tax notice served to the party. Sarma, known for his sharp remarks against the Congress, took a swipe at the party’s stance on welfare activities and its treatment of the underprivileged.
In a scathing rebuke, Sarma suggested that the Congress was essentially working against the interests of the poor and downtrodden if it had failed to fulfill its tax obligations. He emphasized the crucial role of tax revenue in funding public welfare programs, stating that denying taxes to the government ultimately denies benefits to the most vulnerable sections of society.
“Someone who refuses to pay taxes to the government is essentially denying benefits to the poor,” Sarma asserted. He highlighted the significance of tax money in funding essential public services and programs aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections of society.
The Assam Chief Minister’s remarks were a direct critique of the Congress, insinuating that the party’s failure to pay taxes indicated a lack of commitment to welfare activities. Sarma’s comments reflected his belief that tax compliance is not just a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility towards the welfare of society’s most vulnerable members.
Sarma’s jibe underscored the ongoing political discourse surrounding tax compliance, governance, and social welfare. The Congress’ receipt of a tax notice has opened the door for political scrutiny, with Sarma using the opportunity to criticize the party’s alleged neglect of its tax obligations and its impact on public welfare initiatives.
As the political rhetoric heats up, Sarma’s remarks serve as a reminder of the broader implications of tax compliance and the role it plays in shaping government policies and programs aimed at benefiting the underprivileged segments of society.
The Congress found itself embroiled in a tax controversy on Friday, as it received a staggering tax notice demanding a hefty sum of ₹1823 crore. In response, the party retaliated, claiming that the BJP, too, had violated income tax laws and should face a demand notice of ₹4600 crore.
Congress leader Ajay Maken was vocal in accusing the BJP of flouting tax regulations. He asserted that the BJP’s actions amounted to “tax terrorism,” highlighting the alleged targeting of the Congress and other opposition parties by the Income Tax department.
Jairam Ramesh, another prominent Congress leader, echoed these sentiments, condemning what he described as efforts to financially cripple the Congress. “We are not going to be cowed down,” Ramesh declared defiantly.
Ajay Maken further alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties were being singled out for scrutiny by the Income Tax department. He raised concerns about an “illegal attempt” to freeze the bank accounts of the principal opposition party, a move that had persisted for more than a month, particularly alarming on the eve of the general election.
However, it was Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, who delivered the most pointed criticism. He issued a stern warning, promising stringent action against those attempting to “murder democracy” when the government changes hands.
The exchange of allegations and accusations between the Congress and the BJP has intensified the political atmosphere, with the Congress leaders painting a picture of an orchestrated attack on the party’s financial stability and democratic rights.
As the tax notice saga unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the high-stakes nature of Indian politics, where accusations of financial impropriety and tax violations are wielded as potent weapons. The Congress, facing a formidable challenge in the form of the tax demand, has not shied away from turning the tables on the ruling BJP, alleging similar violations on their part.
The escalating war of words underscores the deep-seated rivalry between the two major political parties in India, with each side vehemently defending its stance and accusing the other of wrongdoing. Amidst these allegations and counter-allegations, the Indian political landscape remains fraught with tension and uncertainty, as the battle for public perception and electoral advantage continues to unfold.
In a bold statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, issued a stern warning against those he accused of “murdering democracy.” Promising decisive action, Gandhi asserted, “When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who ‘murder the democracy’!
Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced plans for a widespread protest against what he referred to as the “continuing tax terrorism” of the Modi government. In a post on X, Ramesh detailed the party’s strategy, stating, “To protest against the continuing tax terrorism of the Modi Government on @INCIndia, all Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs)
Ramesh further emphasized that senior leaders and party functionaries would actively participate in these demonstrations, underscoring the party’s commitment to addressing the perceived injustices.
Accompanying his announcement, Ramesh shared a circular issued by the GS Organisation, @kcvenugopalmp, outlining the details of the planned protests. Additionally, he provided a Background Note for AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken’s upcoming press conference, indicating a coordinated effort by the Congress party to confront the issues surrounding the tax notice.
The planned protests are a clear indication of the Congress party’s resolve to challenge what it perceives as unfair targeting and harassment by the government. By mobilizing its state and district units for demonstrations, the party aims to raise public awareness and garner support for its cause.
The political climate in India remains charged as the Congress-BJP standoff escalates over the tax notice controversy. Rahul Gandhi’s forceful declaration and the Congress party’s organized protests signal a deepening of the conflict, with both sides gearing up for a battle of narratives and public perception.
As the protests unfold, all eyes will be on the Congress party’s response to the tax notice and its efforts to galvanize support against what it views as governmental overreach and intimidation tactics. The outcome of these developments could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in India.