Rahul Gandhi promises action against “tax terrorism” amid Rs 1,800cr notice

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a recent ₹1,800 crore income tax notice sent to the party, criticizing it as an instance of “tax terrorism.” The notice, covering the assessment years from 2017-18 to 2020-21, includes penalties and interest. Gandhi’s remarks come amidst growing tensions between the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with allegations of misuse of central departments such as the income tax for political gains.

Gandhi took to the microblogging platform X to express his dismay and outline his promise for the future. “When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who are destroying democracy. And the action will be taken in such a manner that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee,” he stated. This comment has ignited discussions on the political climate in India and the use of government machinery in political rivalries.

The Congress party, under the leadership of individuals such as General Secretary Jairam Ramesh and treasurer Ajay Maken, is gearing up for an extensive legal battle to contest the tax demands. Allegations have also been made against the BJP, accusing it of similar violations of income tax laws and urging the tax department to scrutinize their finances as well. Maken emphasized the need for transparency in political donations, pointing out discrepancies in the BJP’s financial disclosures to the Election Commission.

Ramesh brought attention to the BJP’s collection of approximately ₹8,200 crore through what he termed the “electoral bonds scam,” implicating the use of shell companies and questionable financial practices. “Efforts are being made to financially cripple the Congress, but we are not going to be cowed down,” Ramesh asserted, signaling a determined stance against the allegations and financial challenges faced by the party.

The ongoing financial and political saga between the Congress and BJP highlights a deep-seated issue within Indian politics: the need for financial transparency and accountability in political funding. The accusations and promises of future action shed light on the complexities of governance, democracy, and the legal frameworks governing political finance in India. As both parties prepare for a legal showdown, the outcome of this dispute could set significant precedents for political funding and the role of government agencies in political processes.