The Congress party received tax notices from the I-T department demanding payments totaling Rs 1,823 crore for the assessment years 1994-95 and 2017-18 to 2020-21. Additionally, fresh notices were received for the assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17, amounting to a demand of Rs 1,745 crore. This brings the total demand to Rs 3,567 crore. These notices came shortly after the party criticized the BJP-led government for “tax terrorism” ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha criticized the timing of these notices, alleging bias against the Congress party. He compared the treatment of Congress returns with those of high-ranking BJP officials, pointing out inconsistencies in the handling of similar cases.
The Income Tax department claimed to have evidence of cash receipts totaling Rs 626 crore between 2013-14 and April 2019, allegedly received by the Congress party. These receipts were reportedly linked to transactions with companies associated with Congress leaders, including former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath. The department asserted that these cash transactions violated tax regulations, leading to the imposition of penalties and demands for tax payments.
Congress leaders expressed outrage at what they perceive as targeted harassment by the government. They accused the BJP of using tax authorities to intimidate political opponents and suppress dissent. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condemned the tactics employed by the BJP, stating that such actions undermine democracy and fair electoral processes.
The ongoing dispute between the Congress party and the Income Tax department underscores the broader political tensions in India, particularly in the run-up to major elections. As both sides continue to exchange accusations and legal challenges, the implications for the country’s democratic institutions remain uncertain.
