Modi Claims Congress’s Plans Have “Dangerous Intentions” in Chhattisgarh Rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi escalated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) criticism against the Congress party over senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s comments on inheritance tax, suggesting that they signal a threat to middle-class families. Addressing a rally in Surguja, Chhattisgarh, he stated that the Congress’s “dangerous intentions are coming out in the open,” referring to comments made by Mr. Pitroda that were perceived as favoring inheritance taxes.
Prime Minister Modi pointed out that Pitroda, an advisor to a prominent Congress leader, previously suggested increased taxation on the middle class. According to Modi, Pitroda’s remarks indicate that the Congress party intends to impose taxes on inheritance received from parents to their children. “The wealth you accumulate with your hard work won’t pass down to your children. The Congress’s hand will snatch it,” Modi said.
Using a familiar tagline from a popular life insurance company, Modi added that the Congress’s approach would tax people during their lifetime and after their death. “As long as you live, Congress’s high taxation will make you suffer. When you are dead, they will put the burden of inheritance tax,” he said.
Sam Pitroda’s comments were made during an interview with ANI, where he discussed wealth redistribution and referred to inheritance taxes in the United States. His mention of a US example triggered a controversy as he explained that the inheritance tax in some US states could see the government taking a significant portion of large estates. While his comments appeared to suggest that Congress would implement a similar approach in India, the party quickly distanced itself from these claims.
Modi Claims Congress’s Plans Have “Dangerous Intentions” in Chhattisgarh Rally
Congress spokespersons, including Jairam Ramesh and Supriya Shrinate, clarified that Pitroda’s opinions were personal and did not represent the party’s stance. They stressed that Congress’s manifesto did not mention any plans for inheritance taxes or wealth redistribution. The Congress party stated that Pitroda’s views were not in line with their policies, emphasizing that the party does not endorse the introduction of an inheritance tax. Jairam Ramesh highlighted that sensationalizing Pitroda’s comments was an attempt to distract from the BJP’s misinformation during the election campaign.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah used Pitroda’s comments to criticize Congress, stating that they revealed the party’s hidden intentions. He urged voters to take these remarks seriously, suggesting that they reflect Congress’s broader agenda. The BJP’s amplified response to Pitroda’s interview underscores the intense political rivalry between the two parties, with both sides accusing each other of spreading misinformation and pushing deceptive narratives during the election campaign.
Despite the controversy, Congress maintained that their focus remains on social justice and supporting the economically disadvantaged. The party condemned the BJP’s campaign tactics and rejected claims that it would impose high taxes or confiscate property and jewelry from citizens. Congress leaders and spokespeople reiterated that their manifesto prioritizes social justice without the need for extreme taxation policies.
