Monday, May 13

Rahul Gandhi Guarantees To Take Action Against Those Who Destroy Democracy Amid IT Notice

Edited by Aishwarya Krishnan
Rahul Gandhi Guarantees To Take Action Against Those Who Destroy Democracy Amid IT Notice

Following the Rs 1,800 crore income tax notice served to Congress, party leader Rahul Gandhi promised to take definitive action against the culprits behind destroying the country’s democracy. The party described the income tax notice as “tax terrorism” by the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul Gandhi stated that when the government changes, action will certainly be taken against those who destroy the Indian democracy. He added that the strictest action will be delivered to the culprits to ensure that no one will ever dare to commit such actions. “This is my guarantee,” he promised.

Congress is likely to approach the Supreme Court after receiving no relief from the High Court. The income tax notice covers assessment years 2017–18 to 2020–21, including penalties and interest. Describing it as “unprecedented in the history of taxation in India,” the party is currently waiting for three more assessment years, which will be completed by Sunday.

In a press release, the party alleged the BJP using the IT Department as its “frontal organisation” to hinder the party financially and restrict any efforts at campaigning.

Party leader Ajay Maken shed light on the BJP’s violations of income tax laws regarding declaring donations to the Election Commission, adding that the penalty for the violations totals around Rs 4,617 crore.

Maken also said that political parties are required to fill out Form 24A and mention two essential pieces of information: the names and addresses of donors. After analysing the submissions of the BJP, Congress claimed that the saffron party faltered every year in providing the necessary information.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of collecting Rs 8,200 crore under the “electoral bond scam” by using “prepaid, postpaid, post-raid bribes, and shell companies.”

The notice comes amidst the already financially struggling Congress as the Income Tax authorities slammed the party with a penalty of Rs 200 crore and frozen the bank accounts as Lok Sabha elections inch closer.