PM makes systematic attempt to financially destroy Congress; Sonia Gandhi levels serious allegations

NEW DELHI: With only weeks left for the Lok Sabha elections, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi levelled serious allegations against the Modi government. She alleged that the Prime Minister had made a systematic attempt to financially destroy the Congress. Rahul Gandhi had also levelled the same allegation earlier.

‘The issue we are taking up today is extremely serious. This issue affects not only the Indian National Congress but our democracy itself. An attempt is being made under the leadership of the Prime Minister to weaken the Indian National Congress financially. Funds collected from the public are being frozen and money is being forcefully withdrawn from our accounts,’ alleged Sonia.

Sonia Gandhi's criticism was in reference to the party's claim that it had demanded Rs 210 crore as tax arrears and penalties for the 2018-19 financial year, and that the Income Tax Department had frozen Rs 115 crore in bank accounts.

Congress leader Ajay Maken had alleged that the income tax department had withdrawn Rs 65 crore from three accounts of the party. The tribunal rejected the party's plea to stay the department's action against the bank accounts earlier this month. Sonia Gandhi also alleged that electoral bonds have benefited the BJP in a big way.