PM Modi Flays Congress Over Inheritance Tax Row As He Clarifies BJP's Stance, Claims Threat To SC-ST Reservation

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi stressed that an inheritance tax is not a priority for the BJP. He accused the Congress of promising wealth redistribution, likening it to "looting".

File Photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Source : ANI

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dismissed speculations surrounding the implementation of an inheritance tax, asserting that it is not a priority for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Prime Minister addressed queries vehemently refuting the notion of considering such a tax proposal. He also hit out at the grand old party over its promise of a socioeconomic survey while alleging a threat to reservation for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes.

In an interview with News18 Network, Prime Minister Modi highlighted a recent statement made by Congress leader Sam Pitroda advocating a substantial tax on property, which the grand old party has distanced itself from. He framed the discourse as a clash between the BJP's vision of preserving familial legacy ("viraasat") and what he termed as the Congress's agenda of wealth redistribution through taxation.

“One of their (Congress) leaders gave an interview in America. He spoke about 55% tax on property. I am talking about viraasat and they are about looting it and wealth redistribution. That is their history. What else will they do?” he remarked.

The Prime Minister categorically stated, "What the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to do is written in our manifesto."

Responding to Rahul Gandhi's suggestion of conducting a social-economic survey, Prime Minister Modi criticised the concept, likening it to intrusive measures tantamount to "raiding every household." He denounced the idea as emblematic of a "Maoist ideology" and an "Urban Naxal" thought.

“An X-ray means raiding every household. If any woman has hidden gold in utensils, even finding that and then redistributing it. This Maoist ideology has never helped the world. This is an entirely ‘Urban Naxal’ thought,” PM Modi told News18.

“This is why the Jamaat, which usually keeps writing, kept quiet about the manifesto even after 10 days, because it will help them. They kept quiet to protect them. It then becomes my responsibility to awaken the country to the fact that they are planning to loot you. The next part is, Dr. Manmohan Singh has said clearly who has the first right on the country’s resources. They have clearly stated their intentions,” the Prime Minister remarked in reference to his controversial allegation that the Congress intends to redistribute the country's wealth in favor of the Muslim community. 

Besides distancing itself from the Inheritance tax remark, the Congress has also denied promising a wealth redistribution in its Lok Sabha campaign.

'Congress Flouting Constitution, Insulting Ambedkar': PM Modi Levels Allegations Regarding Reservation 

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi scrutinised the Congress's historical approach towards reservation policies, particularly the controversy surrounding OBC reservation for Muslims. He traced the contentious issue back to the 1990s, alleging Congress's inconsistency and opportunism in dealing with OBC representation. He cited instances where the Congress allegedly attempted to extend reservation benefits to Muslims by declaring them as OBC, facing legal challenges and opposition along the way while trying to implement it in Andhra Pradesh.

In his critique of the Congress manifesto, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his allegation that it has an imprint of the Muslim League, raising concerns about potential threats to existing reservation quotas for SCs and STs.

“The way they are flouting the Constitution, the way they are insulting Ambedkar… There is a threat to reservation for SCs and STs. Should I not inform the people of the country about this? I believe that it is the responsibility of all the learned people, who are rich in knowledge, who are unbiased, to educate this country, to tell it the right things,” the Prime Minister said.

Pointing to the economic reforms undertaken during his tenure, Prime Minister Modi highlighted achievements such as financial inclusion through the opening of bank accounts and the success of Direct Benefit Transfer initiatives. He underscored the government's efforts to uplift millions from poverty and touted India's economic growth as a model for developing nations.

Karnataka Voters 'Regretting' Electing Congress: PM Modi Claims Internal Power Tussle In Siddaramaiah Govt

Addressing Karnataka's political scenario, Prime Minister Modi criticised the CM Siddaramaiah-led Congress government's performance, citing issues of governance, law and order, and economic instability. He contrasted the BJP's approach of collaborative teamwork with what he described as the Congress's internal power struggles and inefficiencies.

“The people of Karnataka are regretting that they have committed such a big mistake by electing them (Congress). Our public support has not gone down; in fact, it has increased. But, in such a short time, they still have unresolved issues like the post of CM. While the CM has taken oath, it has not been settled who it really is. If you look at the law-and-order situation, there are riots and murders taking place; the economic condition is in a state of complete bankruptcy. The deputy CM is asking for votes for his brother so that he can become CM; so everyone is playing games. There are games being played to remove someone from the seat. As far as the BJP is concerned, we are working with team spirit even if my team was defeated,” he claimed.

Referring to Bengaluru's water crisis, Modi commented, “Look at Bengaluru, it has played a big role in raising India’s reputation across the world. Bengaluru used to be known as the tech hub and now, in no time, it has been turned into a tanker hub. And tankers also have a mafia culture. People are yearning for water.”

The Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases and the counting of votes is scheduled on June 4. The first and second phase were held on April 19 and April 26 while the other phases are scheduled for May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.