In the face of ongoing tax disputes and financial challenges, the Congress party has garnered widespread support as it stands firm against what it describes as “tax terrorism” orchestrated to undermine its political standing. The party recently received a fresh notice from the Income Tax Department amounting to a staggering ₹1,800 crore for assessment years 2017-18 to 2020-21, including penalties and interest.
This development comes on the heels of a series of legal battles between the Congress and tax authorities, culminating in the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of the party’s petition challenging previous tax notices. With its funds already under strain following a ₹200 crore penalty and freezing of its assets, the Congress now faces further financial strain as it braces for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
In response to the mounting pressure, Congress leaders have not minced words in denouncing what they perceive as targeted financial persecution. Congress President Rahul Gandhi issued a resolute statement, promising decisive action against any attempts to undermine democracy once the party assumes power. “When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who ‘disintegrate democracy’! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee,” Gandhi asserted in a social media post.
Echoing these sentiments, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh decried the notices as a tactic aimed at crippling the party financially. “This is tax terrorism, and this is being used to attack the Congress. This has to stop,” Ramesh declared during a press conference, emphasizing the need to resist and overcome such challenges.
Despite the adversities, the Congress remains undeterred in its commitment to the democratic process. Ramesh affirmed that the party’s campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections would continue unabated, with a renewed determination to uphold its promises to the people of India. “We will not be scared of these notices. We will be more aggressive and fight these polls,” he asserted, signaling the Congress’s unwavering resolve to persevere in the face of adversity.
As the Congress navigates through this challenging period, it finds solace in the overwhelming support from its allies and sympathizers who stand in solidarity against what they perceive as unjust targeting. In the spirit of resilience and determination, the Congress remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and its unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation.