New Delhi:

The Congress on Wednesday claimed the Income Tax Department had illegally withdrawn Rs 65 crore from three of its accounts – towards a “unprecedented” tax demand of Rs 210 crore – despite the claim currently being heard by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. 

In a post on X, Congress leader Ajay Maken pointed out national political parties were exempt from paying income tax (though they do have to file tax returns) and asked if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party would also receive similar demands.

“Yesterday, the Income Tax Department mandated banks to transfer over Rs 65 crores from Indian National Congress, Indian Youth Congress, and National Students’ Union of India accounts to the government – Rs 5 crore from IYC and NSUI, and Rs 60.25 crores from INC, marking a concerning move by the BJP government,” he wrote.

“Is it common for national political parties to pay Income Tax? No. Does BJP pay Income Tax? No. Why then is the Congress Party facing an unprecedented demand of Rs 210 crore?” Mr Maken asked on X.

Yesterday, the Income Tax Department mandated banks to transfer over ₹65 crores from @INCIndia, IYC, and NSUI accounts to the government—₹5 crores from IYC and NSUI, and ₹60.25 crores from INC, marking a concerning move by the BJP Government.

Is it common for National… pic.twitter.com/eiObPTtO1D

— Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) February 21, 2024

“During today’s ITAT proceedings, we presented our case. The hearing is set to continue tomorrow.”

“Funds in question were raised through grassroots efforts, including crowdfunding and membership drives by IYC and NSUI. This raises a crucial question about democracy. Is it under threat?” he continued.

“Our hope now lies with the judiciary… democracy will be over if probe agencies’ action is unchecked.”

Last week the Congress found its main bank accounts frozen by tax officials. These were, however, quickly unfrozen by the tribunal pending the outcome of the hearing that began this afternoon.

READ | “115 Crores Frozen, Don’t Have That Much”: Congress On Bank Accounts Row

The Congress hit out at the BJP and called the tax notices “politically motivated” and “strategically timed to disrupt election preparations”. Mr Maken called them a “disturbing blow to the democratic process”.

“Democracy doesn’t exist; this is like a one-rule party, and the principal opposition party has been subjugated. We seek justice from the judiciary, media, and the people,” the senior leader said.

He said the party submitted its 2018/19 financial details (an election year) 45 days late, but called the freezing of the accounts an extreme measure, arguing there was no precedence for such action.

Mr Maken further said the timing of the freeze raised suspicions about the motives behind the action.

“Right now, we have no money to spend. Electricity bills, staff salaries… everything is impacted. Look at the timing; this is clear,” he said, “We have only one PAN, and the four accounts are all linked.”

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New Delhi:

The Congress on Sunday appointed its senior leader Ajay Maken as the new treasurer, replacing Pawan Kumar Bansal.

Ajay Maken is considered a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi and was without any post ever since he resigned as Congress general secretary in charge of Rajasthan a few months ago.

“The Congress president has appointed Ajay Maken as the treasurer of the All India Congress Committee, with immediate effect,” party general secretary K C Venugopal said in a statement.

“The party appreciates the contribution of the outgoing treasurer Pawan Kumar Bansal,” the statement further said.

Sources add that Mr Bansal, who was a permanent invitee to the CWC prior to his appointment as treasurer, was again made a permanent invitee by Kharge while equating him with many juniors in the party.

They add that the office of treasurer was “undermined” in the working committee, the highest decision-making body of the grand old party, while appointing him as a permanent invitee to the CWC.

Mr Bansal was appointed as interim treasurer after the demise of Ahmed Patel. He held the position for almost three years.

Ajay Maken thanked the Congress leadership for his new assignment and said he would perform his new role with honesty and dedication as a custodian of their contributions.

In a post on social media site X, he said, “I am currently in Raipur attending the screening committee meeting. I have been informed of my appointment as the treasurer of Congress. This is indeed a significant responsibility.” “I wish to extend my gratitude to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Congress presidents Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, and general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal for placing their trust in me.

“I assure both my leaders and the workers of our party that as a custodian of their contributions, I will work with the utmost diligence, honesty, and dedication,” Ajay Maken added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)