Congress alleges undemocratic withdrawal of ₹65 crore by IT Department

Congress treasurer alleges undemocratic withdrawal of 65 crore by income tax department from party's accounts
Congress questions the BJP's exemption from income tax payment while facing an unprecedented demand of 210 crore
Income tax department's claim, frozen accounts, and fund withdrawal raise concerns about the state of democracy

Congress treasurer Ajay Maken revealed that the income tax department has withdrawn 65 crore from the party's accounts with various banks, while the issue of Congress paying income tax remains sub judice. Maken questioned the apparent discrepancy, emphasizing that it is not common for national political parties like the BJP to pay income tax.

The allegation follows the freezing of Congress's main bank accounts on February 16 due to an income tax demand of 210 crore, a matter that is scheduled for a hearing on Thursday. Maken highlighted the undemocratic nature of the fund withdrawal, raising concerns about the state of democracy.

"Is it common for National Political Parties to pay Income Tax? No. Does the BJP pay Income Tax? No. Why then is the Congress Party facing an unprecedented demand of ₹210 crores? During today’s ITAT proceedings, we presented our case. The hearing is set to continue tomorrow. The funds in question were raised through grassroots efforts, including crowdfunding and membership drives by the IYC and NSUI. This situation raises a crucial question about the state of democracy. Is it under threat?" Ajay Maken wrote on Twitter.

Yesterday, the Income Tax Department mandated banks to transfer over ₹65 crores from @INCIndia, IYC, and NSUI accounts to the government—₹5 crores from IYC and NSUI, and ₹60.25 crores from INC, marking a concerning move by the BJP Government.

Is it common for National… pic.twitter.com/eiObPTtO1D
— Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) February 21, 2024

The income tax department's claim of 210 crore as recovery for 'discrepancies' in previous tax returns remains a subject of legal scrutiny. Congress contends that the frozen funds were raised through grassroots efforts, including crowdfunding and membership drives by the Indian Youth Congress and National Students' Union of India. Congress representative Vivek Tankha emphasized that the party's participation in elections would be hindered if the accounts remain frozen.

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Congress Income Tax Controversy