Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sharply criticized the Congress, accusing them of denying benefits to the underprivileged by not paying taxes to the government. His remarks come in response to the Congress revealing that it has received fresh notices from the Income Tax Department, demanding payment of ₹1,823.08 crore.
In his statement, Mr. Sarma emphasized the importance of tax payment, linking it directly to essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He remarked, “If the Congress is not paying the tax then this means that they are against welfare activities. They are against the poor, against the downtrodden.”
Highlighting the significance of tax revenue in funding crucial public institutions, Mr. Sarma clarified that taxation is not synonymous with “terror,” but rather a means of ensuring government funding for societal welfare. He countered the Congress’s accusation of “tax terrorism” by asserting that tax compliance is essential for public welfare initiatives.
The Congress, on the other hand, has accused the ruling BJP of using tax measures to financially weaken the opposition party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, Mr. Sarma dismissed these claims, stating that tax compliance is a benevolent act that contributes to public welfare.
In response to Congress’s demonstrations against tax notices, Mr. Sarma suggested that the party focus on election campaigning instead of daily protests. His remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions surrounding tax disputes and their implications for governance and social welfare in India.