Congress Accuses Government of Attack on Democracy
New Delhi (CNN) – The Indian National Congress, the main opposition party in India, revealed on Friday that its bank accounts had been frozen by federal tax authorities, just weeks before the anticipated nationwide election. The Congress Treasurer, Ajay Maken, disclosed at a news conference that the freezing of accounts followed an investigation into the party’s income tax returns for the 2018-19 financial year. The Income Tax Department demanded a payment of 2.1 billion rupees ($25.3 million) in connection with the ongoing probe. Maken condemned the action, stating, “The Congress party’s bank accounts haven’t been frozen. It’s the democracy that has been frozen,” questioning the government’s motives.
Congress Granted Temporary Access to Accounts
After facing widespread criticism, an income tax tribunal granted the Congress party temporary access to its frozen accounts ahead of a scheduled hearing. Congress lawyer Vivek Tankha confirmed the development, emphasizing the party’s determination to challenge the move. Congress supporters staged protests in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar area, with party leader Mallikarjun Kharge urging the judiciary to safeguard India’s multi-party system and democratic principles.
Challenges to Democracy in India
The freezing of the opposition party’s accounts is the latest in a series of actions targeting prominent opponents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a scion of India’s political dynasty, faced disqualification and a jail sentence last year, in a move his supporters deemed politically motivated. Gandhi pledged to “fight tooth and nail” to preserve India’s democratic values and resist authoritarian tendencies.
Upcoming Elections and Political Landscape
As India’s election approaches, the Congress Party’s attempts to form an opposition alliance to challenge Modi’s BJP are facing hurdles. The BJP’s popularity is on the rise, reflecting a broader shift in voter sentiment. With an estimated 900 million Indians poised to cast their votes, the election is pivotal for the country’s future. While Modi projects a vision of India as a modern superpower, internal tensions persist, particularly concerning minority groups under the BJP’s nationalist policies. The Congress Party’s recent electoral setbacks underscore the challenging political terrain it faces in the run-up to the election. This story is developing; stay tuned for updates.