Opposition Party Faces Financial Setback
India’s main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, revealed on Friday that its bank accounts had been frozen by federal tax authorities. This move comes just weeks before the highly anticipated nationwide election. Although access to the accounts was temporarily restored later on, the Congress and its allies expressed outrage, accusing the government of undermining democracy. Congress Treasurer Ajay Maken stated that the freeze occurred following an investigation into the party’s income tax returns for the 2018-19 financial year. Additionally, the Income Tax Department demanded a payment of 2.1 billion rupees ($25.3 million) in connection to the ongoing probe.
Temporary Relief Granted
In a turn of events, an income tax tribunal provided temporary access to the Congress party’s accounts ahead of a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Vivek Tankha, a lawyer and Congress lawmaker, confirmed this development. CNN has reached out to India’s Income Tax Department, Finance Ministry, and multiple leaders within the Congress party for further comment.
Protests Erupt in Delhi
Congress supporters gathered in Delhi’s iconic Jantar Mantar area to voice their opposition to the freezing of the party’s accounts. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge called on the judiciary to intervene and “save the multi-party system in this country and protect India’s Democracy.”
Democracy Under Fire
Allies of the Congress party have continuously alleged that democracy is being suppressed in India. This recent incident is just one of many investigations targeting prominent opponents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Last year, former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, scion of a political dynasty that produced three prime ministers, was disqualified as a lawmaker and given a two-year jail sentence for defamation. However, his supporters claim that the ruling was politically motivated. Gandhi was subsequently reinstated as a lawmaker following the intervention of India’s Supreme Court. In response to the freezing of the Congress party’s accounts, Gandhi vowed to “fight tooth and nail” to protect India’s democracy.
Crucial Election Looms
The Indian election, often referred to as the world’s largest experiment in democracy, is approaching at a critical time for the country. Prime Minister Modi has positioned himself as a statesman, striving to solidify India’s position as a modern superpower on the global stage. However, tensions are rising domestically, with minority groups feeling marginalized under the BJP’s majoritarian Hindu nationalist policies. In the most recent regional votes in key state elections, the Congress Party suffered losses in three out of four contests, providing a boost to Modi and the BJP.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow…
