Mallikarjun Kharge Refutes Claims About Congress's Inheritance Tax Plans, Cites Constitution

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress President, has refuted claims about the party's intentions to introduce an inheritance tax in India. Kharge stated that the Congress has no such plans and that the Constitution does not allow for it. His remarks come in response to comments made by Sam Pitroda, the Indian Overseas Congress chairman, who had earlier discussed the concept of inheritance tax in the United States as an example.

Pitroda clarified that his views were expressed in an individual capacity and do not reflect the Congress party's policy. Jairam Ramesh, the Congress General Secretary (Communications), also distanced the party from Pitroda's remarks, emphasizing that his views do not always represent the party's stance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seized on Pitroda's comments to sharpen his attack on the Congress, accusing the party of intending to redistribute the nation's wealth. Modi alleged that the Congress plans to implement a 15% reservation based on religion and deprive people of the right to leave assets to their children. However, the Congress manifesto does not mention any such plans.

Kharge accused Modi of "playing games just for votes and making up stories about the Congress party's intentions. He questioned whether BJP and RSS leaders have made any sacrifices for the nation, unlike Congress leaders who have donated their personal belongings and even their homes to the freedom movement. Kharge argued that the Prime Minister is lying to the people about the Congress party's plans to take away their personal property and jewelry.

Why this matters: The exchange highlights the political tensions between the Congress party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The inheritance tax controversy has become a point of contention, with both parties accusing each other of having ulterior motives and dangerous intentions regarding wealth redistribution and social justice.

Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated that the Congress party is committed to upholding the Constitution and the rights of the people. He stated, "The Congress has no such intentions, and the constitution does not allow it." The party has distanced itself from Pitroda's remarks and maintains that its actions are guided by the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Key Takeaways

• Congress President Kharge refutes claims of inheritance tax plans.
• Pitroda's remarks on inheritance tax do not reflect Congress policy.
• PM Modi accuses Congress of wealth redistribution plans, but no such plans in manifesto.
• Kharge says BJP is making up stories about Congress intentions to take away property.
• Inheritance tax controversy highlights political tensions ahead of Lok Sabha polls.