India’s Income Tax Department Freezes Congress Party’s Bank Accounts Amid Investigation

In a move that has stirred controversy and raised concerns about the state of democracy in India, the country’s Income Tax Department has frozen the bank accounts of the Congress party. This action comes as part of an investigation into the party’s income tax filings for the financial year 2018-19. Ajay Maken, the Treasurer of the Congress party, has voiced his concerns, stating that the freezing of accounts is an unwarranted measure aimed at sidelining the party ahead of the upcoming national elections.

According to Maken, the tax department’s decision to freeze four of the party’s accounts was made following a demand for a payment of 2.1 billion rupees ($253 million) related to the investigation. While he acknowledged that the party had filed its returns late by up to 45 days, he argued that the action taken by the authorities was excessive and unjustified. Maken questioned the implications of such a move on the country’s democratic health, suggesting that it could signal a shift towards a one-party system.

The Congress party, which has been a dominant force in Indian politics for decades, plans to challenge the decision in court and organize public protests. The situation has sparked a broader debate about the use of law enforcement agencies to target political opponents under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. Critics and human rights groups have accused Modi’s government of employing such tactics against rivals, including Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party.

With national elections due by May, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, is anticipated to secure a third consecutive victory. Modi’s popularity among India’s Hindu majority, bolstered by his nationalistic policies, has positioned the BJP as a formidable force in the upcoming electoral battle. However, the recent actions against the Congress party and other opposition figures have ignited a conversation about the future of democracy and political pluralism in India.