“In the midst of the heated debate sparked by Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s call for an inheritance tax, Prime Minister Modi slammed the opposition party, accusing them of thwarting the transfer of hard-earned wealth to the next generation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday delivered a scathing critique of Congress as the party’s Sam Pitroda seemed to endorse a US-style inheritance tax, intensifying the discourse on wealth distribution.
The remarks have stoked an already fiery debate surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s pledge to undertake a wealth survey in the event of a Congress victory in the Lok Sabha election.
Addressing a public gathering in Surguja, Chhattisgarh, PM Modi accused the Congress of aiming to enrich itself through escalating taxes, preventing individuals from passing on their well-deserved fortunes to their offspring.
The advisor of the ‘prince’ and the ‘royal family’ had said some time ago that more taxes should be imposed on the middle class,” said PM Modi. “Congress says that it will impose an inheritance tax, and it will also impose tax on the inheritance received from parents. Your children will not get the wealth that you accumulate through your hard work, rather the claws of the Congress will snatch it away from you.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pitroda’s remarks unveiled the perilous agenda of the Congress. In a witty reference to LIC’s past slogan, he quipped, “Congress’ sole mantra is to plunder the people, both in life and beyond.
Without explicitly naming anyone, PM Modi directed his comments at the Gandhi family, highlighting, “The very individuals who once perceived the entire Congress party as their hereditary estate and bequeathed it to their offspring, now appear averse to Indians passing down their own estates to their children.
Sam Pitroda, the chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, expressed support for his party’s stance on wealth redistribution in an interview with news agency ANI. He highlighted the concept of inheritance tax in certain American states as a model for policy implementation. Pitroda explained that in the United States, individuals with $100 million in wealth can only pass on 45% to their children upon death, with the remaining 55% going to the government.
He characterized this approach as equitable, emphasizing the idea that while individuals accumulate wealth in their lifetime, they should also contribute to the public good by sharing a portion of their wealth through inheritance.
BJP Blasts Congress Over Pitroda’s Remarks, Warns of “Property Snatchers”
In a fiery response to Pitroda’s comments, BJP aims direct criticism at Congress for their alleged intentions.
Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla warns public against “property snatchers”, accusing Congress of wanting to seize hard-earned tax-paid resources.
Pitroda clarifies his statements, blames BJP and PM Modi for spreading misinformation about the Congress manifesto.
Tension escalates as parties clash ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Rumors and accusations fuel the political battlefield.
In response to criticism from the Prime Minister and the BJP regarding the Congress manifesto, which was accused of appeasement and proposing the redistribution of wealth alongside reservations for Muslims from existing quotas, Pitroda pushed back, asking for clarity on the alleged 55% wealth redistribution and questioning the panic from the BJP and media.On the other hand, the Congress distanced itself from the issue, emphasizing that Pitroda’s statements do not consistently represent the party’s official stance.