New Delhi:

Stressing that India is a unique democracy, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said the country does not need lessons from anyone on the rule of law. His comments came after Germany, the US and the United Nations made remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The questions posed to representatives of the US and the UN, which triggered the comments, were also about the freezing of the Congress’ bank accounts.

Speaking at an event on Friday, the Vice President said, “India is a democracy with a robust judicial system. This can’t be compromised by any individual or any group. India does not need lessons from anyone on rule of law.”

Mr Dhankhar emphasised that “equality before law is the new norm” in India and those who thought they are beyond the law are being held accountable.

In a possible reference to the AAP’s planned rally against Mr Kejriwal’s arrest at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday, which will be attended by several leaders from the INDIA alliance, the Vice President said, “But what do we see? The moment the law takes its course, they take to the streets, high-decibel debates, camouflaging culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose,” he added.

Describing the Indian judicial system as robust, independent and pro-people, he asked, “What is the justification for a person or an institution or an organisation to take to the streets when the law is set in motion?”

Addressing the 70th Founders’ Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Mr Dhankhar also said people engaging in the “transgression of law” are now playing the victim card. 

“Corruption is not a passage to opportunity, employment or a contract anymore. It is a passage to jail… Can you go on a high moral ground that the corrupt must not be dealt with because it is a festive season or it is farming season? How can there be any season to save those who are culpable,” the Vice President asked.

After the remarks by representatives of the US and Germany, India had summoned their envoys. It had termed the comments “unwarranted”, “biased” and “unacceptable”, but has not reacted to the statement by a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres so far. 

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The Congress on Wednesday claimed the Income Tax Department had illegally withdrawn Rs 65 crore from three of its accounts – towards a “unprecedented” tax demand of Rs 210 crore – despite the claim currently being heard by the Income Tax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