BJP Attacks Congress Over Sam Pitroda's Inheritance Tax Remarks Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a strong criticism on the Congress party over comments made by Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, regarding the concept of an inheritance tax in India. Pitroda, in an interview, backed the Congress party's stand on wealth redistribution and advocated for an inheritance tax law similar to the one in the United States, where the government takes 55% of a person's wealth upon their death.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seized on Pitroda's remarks, accusing the Congress of planning to impose increased taxes on the middle class and snatch away their property from their children. Speaking at campaign rallies, Modi alleged that the Congress wants to "loot" people's wealth and property, even after their death, by imposing an inheritance tax. "The Congress wants to snatch away the wealth accumulated by people from their children," Modi said.

The BJP has amplified this issue, with leaders like Home Minister Amit Shah claiming the Congress wants to "examine the private property of the people" and distribute it as per their decisions. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of wanting to "grab" people's hard-earned resources.

Why this matters: The controversy over Pitroda's remarks highlights the political tensions and debate surrounding wealth distribution and taxation policies in India ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP's attacks on the Congress over this issue appear to be part of its campaign strategy to portray the opposition party as anti-middle class and against the interests of the common people.

The Congress party has distanced itself from Pitroda's comments, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh clarifying that Pitroda's views do not always reflect the party's stance. Pitroda himself later stated that his remarks were twisted to deflect attention from the Congress manifesto and that he was only citing the US example, not proposing any policy for India.

Despite the Congress's backtracking, the BJP has continued its onslaught. Modi further claimed that the Congress has "perilous intentions" of snatching the assets and rights of people. "The Congress' mantra is 'loot of Congress zindagi ke sath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi' (Congress will loot during your lifetime and even after your death)," <

Key Takeaways

• BJP criticizes Congress over Sam Pitroda's comments on inheritance tax
• PM Modi accuses Congress of planning to impose increased taxes on middle class
• BJP claims Congress wants to "examine private property" and redistribute wealth
• Congress distances itself from Pitroda's remarks, says they don't reflect party's stance
• BJP continues attacking Congress, claims it has "perilous intentions" to loot people's assets