Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the Congress on Friday, suggesting that the party's failure to pay taxes indicated a lack of support for welfare activities, the poor, and the downtrodden, news agency PTI reported. Sarma, known for his outspoken criticism of the Congress, accused the party of depriving the underprivileged of benefits by neglecting its tax obligations.
“Somebody denying tax to the government is denying benefits to the poor. Tax money goes to the public welfare. If Congress is not paying the taxes, it means they are against welfare activities, poor and the downtrodden,” he was quoted as saying by PTI in its report.
On Friday, the Congress party received a tax notice demanding Rs 1823 crore. In response, the grand old party asserted that the BJP had also breached income tax laws and should be issued a demand notice of Rs 4600 crore. Congress leader Ajay Maken accused the BJP of flouting tax regulations, while Jairam Ramesh condemned the BJP's actions as "tax terrorism."
"Efforts are being made to financially cripple the Congress, but we are not going to be cowed down," Ramesh said.
Ajay Maken asserted that the Congress and other opposition parties are being singled out by the Income Tax department.
Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack, promising severe action against those attempting to undermine democracy when the "government changes."
Taking to X, Rahul stated: "When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who 'murder the democracy'! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee."
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh declared that the party would stage a protest against the ongoing "tax terrorism" of the Modi government.