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Congress Alleges Tax Harassment Amid Political Turmoil

Kalyani Jha
30 Mar, 2024

The Congress party finds itself embroiled in a storm of tax notices, with allegations of selective targeting by the Income Tax Department escalating into accusations of “tax terrorism” and political vendetta. The latest developments highlight the contentious relationship between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the principal opposition party, especially as elections loom on the horizon.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh revealed that the party received two additional notices from the Income Tax Department shortly after a staggering ₹1,800 crore notice landed on its doorstep. Ramesh reiterated the party’s stance, labeling the situation as “tax terrorism” and alleging biased scrutiny by income tax authorities.

The Congress claims that while it faces hefty penalties and demands for past financial dealings, the BJP remains unscathed despite alleged serious violations. This perceived double standard has fueled accusations of misuse of government institutions to target political opponents.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the alleged targeting, citing a series of penalties imposed on the party over the years, amounting to several hundred crores. Kharge questioned the motives behind using the income tax department as a tool for harassment, particularly against the principal opposition party.

While Congress leaders argue their tax-exempt status, official sources revealed that the party lost this privilege due to extensive cash usage during electoral processes. The scrutiny intensified after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, leading to assessments and subsequent demands for payments, further straining the already contentious relationship between the Congress and government authorities.

As the political landscape heats up ahead of elections, the clash between the Congress and the BJP extends beyond policy debates into accusations of financial impropriety and institutional misuse, setting the stage for a charged political showdown in the coming months.