New Delhi : The Income Tax department has frozen the Congress’ main bank accounts on “flimsy grounds”, treasurer Ajay Maken claimed on Friday and said this has affected all political activity of the party barely two weeks before general elections are announced.
The party is unable to use even the funds received under its crowdfunding scheme, Maken said at a press conference and alleged that democracy is in danger in the country.
Maken said four main bank accounts were frozen. Sources later put the number at nine.
The accounts, including that of the Indian Youth Congress, were frozen on an Income Tax demand of Rs 210 crore for 2018-19, an election year, Maken said.
However, the party swiftly challenged the move, and the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal granted relief by de-freezing the accounts until a final hearing next week.
The Congress party, on the other hand, vehemently denies any wrongdoing and portrays the freeze as a politically motivated attack on its financial autonomy. Party leaders have accused the ruling government of using state institutions to suppress political opponents and stifle dissent. This narrative has been a recurring theme in Indian politics, with various parties accusing each other of misusing government agencies for political gains.
The timing of this development adds another layer of complexity, as it comes amidst ongoing political tensions and the approaching elections. The Congress party has framed the account freeze as a deliberate attempt to disrupt its electoral preparations and hinder its ability to campaign effectively. Such accusations, if substantiated, could have significant implications for the democratic process and raise concerns about the fairness of the electoral playing field.
While the Income Tax department’s actions may be legally justified if there is evidence of financial impropriety, the lack of transparency in the process has fueled skepticism. The government, in response, asserts that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with the law, and any allegations of political bias are baseless.
As the situation unfolds, it is likely to become a focal point in the broader political discourse, with the opposition and civil society demanding a thorough and impartial inquiry. The government, in turn, must address concerns about the perceived misuse of state institutions and ensure that the investigation remains fair and transparent. The outcome of this episode could have far-reaching consequences not only for the Congress party but also for the credibility of democratic institutions in India. ( With PTI inputs )