Sonia Gandhi accuses PM of trying to financially weaken Congress.
Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders claim party’s ability to contest the elections has been harmed.
In New Delhi, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of intentionally weakening the party financially ahead of the Lok Sabha election. Rahul Gandhi, another senior leader, echoed similar concerns.
The BJP has rejected the Congress’ allegations, stating that the party is attempting to fabricate excuses due to its imminent defeat and desperation.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mrs. Gandhi emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that it not only impacts the Indian National Congress but also undermines the foundation of democracy itself. She accused the Prime Minister of actively working to financially weaken the Indian National Congress, alleging that funds collected from the public are being frozen and money from their accounts is being forcibly withdrawn.
The former Congress president’s statement referred to the party’s claim last month that the Income Tax Department froze ₹115 crore in its bank accounts due to a tax demand of ₹210 crore for the financial year 2018-19, including dues and penalties.
Days later, Congress leader Ajay Maken claimed that the Income Tax Department withdrew ₹65 crore from three of the party’s accounts, despite an ongoing petition against the claim in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. Earlier this month, the tribunal rejected the party’s petition to halt the department’s action against its bank accounts.
Mrs. Gandhi mentioned, “Despite the challenging circumstances, we are making every effort to ensure the effectiveness of our election campaign. The Supreme Court has ruled the electoral bond issue unconstitutional. It is widely known that the BJP has greatly benefited from electoral bonds.”
“On the other hand, the main opposition party’s finances are under attack. This is unprecedented and undemocratic,” she added.
During Thursday’s press conference, Mr. Maken said in Hindi that the “attack” on Congress’ bank accounts was an assault on democracy. He questioned, “If the main opposition party is completely financially crippled and unable to spend on publicity, campaigns, or provide funds to its candidates, then why are the elections being held?”
Mr. Maken mentioned that Congress couldn’t utilize ₹285 crore in its accounts and received a new notice last week for the year 1994-95. He joked, “At this rate, they’ll go back to Mahatma Gandhi’s time, when Jamnalal Bajaj was the treasurer, and find something to send us a notice about and freeze our accounts before the elections.”
‘Ability To Fight Damaged’
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi stated that the Congress’ financial identity was “erased” a month ago. He emphasized that this occurred just two months before the election. He highlighted that one notice pertained to the 90s and another from six-seven years ago, with a negligible amount of ₹14 lakh. He emphasized the severe impact, stating, “Our entire financial identity… Already, our ability to fight the election has been damaged. We have already lost a month.”
“This is a criminal act against the Congress party orchestrated by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. It’s clear they’re behind this to weaken us in the elections. And no court, Election Commission, or institution is responding,” he claimed.
In response to a question about his “shakti” remark controversy, Mr. Gandhi said, “We are fighting against the power of hatred, not a divine power.” He clarified that he was referring to the power of corruption and falsehood, not religious power. However, PM Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders criticized him, alleging insult to Hinduism.
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