Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of financial malfeasance, Congress leader KC Venugopal voiced concerns on Thursday, responding to the Income Tax department’s deduction of ₹65.89 crore from the accounts of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Indian Youth Congress, and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Venugopal asserted that the Congress never subjected the BJP to such financial scrutiny during its tenure in power.
In a strong statement, Venugopal alleged, “They (BJP) are stealing our money from the banks…We also ruled this country. If any such instance BJP can point out that they had this type of experience during the Congress-led UPA government or Congress government.”
Highlighting what he perceives as a double standard, Venugopal claimed that the BJP, as a political party, has never paid income tax. He characterized the Income Tax department’s deduction as an assault on democratic principles and values, further contending that it constitutes an attempt to stifle the voice of India’s opposition.
Venugopal emphasized the source of Congress funds, stating, “Unlike the BJP, we got this money from ordinary party workers.” According to him, the BJP government allegedly pressured banks to transfer around ₹65.89 crores from AICC, Indian Youth Congress, and NSUI accounts to the government. He expressed concern that this transfer occurred just before the parliamentary elections, framing it as the BJP government seizing control of the principal opposition party’s funds.
As described by Venugopal, this episode signifies a broader issue of democratic erosion and an attempt to suppress political opposition. The party leader painted the incident as an example of “dictatorship,” emphasizing the need for fair treatment and adherence to democratic principles. The BJP, on the other hand, has yet to respond to these allegations, leaving the political atmosphere charged with tension and accusations.
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