In a dramatic turn of events, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has unfrozen the main bank accounts of the Indian National Congress, following an appeal filed by the party. This decision comes after Congress leader Vivek Tankha’s assertion that the freezing of accounts severely impacted the party’s ability to engage in political activities.
Earlier today, Ajay Maken, the Congress treasurer revealed that the Income Tax department – under the control of the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Union government – has frozen its bank accounts and demanded Rs 210 crore as recovery over an alleged 45-day delay in filing returns and cash contributions from its lawmakers.
On our petition, Income Tax Department and the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has said that we have to ensure that Rs 115 crores have to be kept in the Banks. This 115 crore is the lien marked in the Bank Accounts.
We can spend an amount over and above…
— Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) February 16, 2024
Shortly after the press conference, the party said that their accounts had been unfrozen. In a video message, Congress leader Vivek Tankha said that the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal un-froze the accounts of the Congress party “pending further hearing.”
Vivek Tankha, representing the Congress before the tribunal, emphasized the crucial role of these accounts in facilitating the party’s participation in upcoming elections. Tankha stated that freezing the accounts jeopardized the democratic process, urging the tribunal to consider the ramifications on the “festival of elections.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the move, accusing the government of attempting to undermine India’s democracy. He criticized the timing of the action, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional.
The decision to unfreeze the accounts follows widespread criticism from Congress leaders, with Rahul Gandhi vowing to continue the party’s fight against the ruling government. Other prominent figures within the party, including Shashi Tharoor and Sachin Pilot, denounced the freezing of accounts as a misuse of power and an assault on democratic principles.
The unfolding saga underscores the intensifying political tensions between the BJP and the Congress in the lead-up to the general elections and raises concerns about the impartiality of governmental actions towards opposition parties.
The tribunal’s forthcoming decision next Wednesday will be closely watched as the Congress seeks to regain its financial footing ahead of the electoral battle.