The Congress party has leveled accusations against the income tax department, alleging double standards in its actions. It claims that while the department has slapped the Congress with an income tax demand notice of Rs 1,823.08 crore, it has overlooked larger violations by the ruling BJP, which supposedly owes Rs 4,600 crore. The Congress has labeled these actions as “tax terrorism” orchestrated by the ruling establishment, especially in light of the upcoming general elections. The party has announced its intention to take the matter to the Supreme Court next week.
Various opposition parties, including the Left, have also received income tax notices related to donations, but the Congress has distanced itself from seeking external support, expressing confidence in India’s institutional and judicial mechanisms. Additionally, the Congress has called for a nationwide protest against what it terms “tax terrorism.”
Ajay Maken, the treasurer of the All India Congress Committee, revealed that the party had received fresh notices from the income tax department totaling Rs 1,823.23 crore. He highlighted a section of the Representation of the People Act that mandates political parties to submit details of donations received to the Election Commission. Maken compared the donations received by the BJP with those of the Congress, emphasizing discrepancies in penalties imposed. He argued for a level playing field and demanded Rs 4,600 crore from the BJP, equivalent to what the income tax department demanded from the Congress.
Responding to queries about the Congress’s compliance with earlier directives, Maken explained the party’s financial constraints during state elections, citing difficulties in meeting demands for payments. This marks the first time the Congress has elaborated on mandatory provisions for parties to account for donations and the penalties for violations.
