Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda led a protest along with other party MPs outside Parliament against the Congress party after the Income Tax (IT) department seized over Rs 300 crores in cash from premises linked to Congress MP Dheeraj Sahu in Odisha. The IT department raided an Odisha-based distillery company, owned by the Congress MP's family and after five days of counting the total amount has been calculated to be Rs 351 crore – a "highest-ever" haul in a single action by any probe agency in the country.
The premises of the Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, Dhiraj Prasad Sahu, in Ranchi and other places, were also covered during the searches by the department.
While speaking to the media BJP President JP Nadda said, "Congress and corruption are two sides of the same coin” adding, Congress is known for “corruption, commission and criminalisation”.
“Rahul Gandhi, to whom does this black money recovered from Dheeraj Sahu's premises belong? Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have to give an answer."
The extensive raids targeting Boudh Distillery Private Limited, its promoters, and associated individuals persisted entered the sixth day on Monday. Initiated on December 6 by tax authorities, the raids focused on allegations of tax evasion and undisclosed transactions.
According to PTI sources, a total of Rs 351 crore in cash has been counted, concluding the tallying process. This meticulous counting operation involved nine teams comprising around 80 individuals from both the tax department and multiple banks. They operated in shifts, maintaining a continuous 24x7 cycle.
Upon discovery of 10 almirahs brimming with cash, along with funds in other locations, an additional team of 200 officials, including security personnel, drivers, and support staff, joined the efforts. Reportedly, approximately 200 bags and trunks were utilised to transport the amassed cash, destined for deposit across various bank branches in Odisha.
A senior BJP leader, in a statement, raised concerns about the apparent "silence" of INDIA bloc leaders, questioning the reasons behind Congress's quietness and expressing surprise at parties like TMC, DMK, JD(U), and RJD following suit.
Although the Congress has asserted its lack of involvement with the MP's business, distancing itself from the situation. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the Centre of selective targeting. He questioned why there were no searches conducted against BJP leaders, emphasising a perceived bias in the actions taken.