BJP hits back at Congress over I-T notice: 'Reflecting its frustration, should fulfil tax obligations'

The BJP alleged that the Congress has not only delayed in filing returns but also understated their income. 'In such circumstances, the IT Department is compelled to take action in accordance with the law.'

New Delhi: The BJP on Friday said that the Congress has failed to adhere to the correct procedures for filing taxes and is now blaming the Income Tax Department and the judiciary. Party spokesperson Zafar Islam said that by doing so, the Congress leaders are reflecting their frustration.

“While Congress failed to adhere to the correct procedures for filing taxes and appealing various judicial bodies including the CIT, ITAT, and Delhi High Court have consistently upheld the decisions of the Income Tax Department, dismissing the Congress’s arguments,” Islam said at the party headquarters.

“Instead of making statements in the media, Congress should follow legal procedures and fulfill their tax obligations. The Delhi High Court has also criticised Congress on this matter,” he added.

He alleged that the Congress has not only delayed in filing returns but also understated their income. “In such circumstances, the IT Department is compelled to take action in accordance with the law,” he said.

“Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other Congress leaders who are making statements in the media are far from reality. Congress has a history of scams and corruption, the party has concealed income and committed tax theft,” he said.

Islam also alleged that despite receiving multiple notices from the Income Tax Department, Congress ignored them. “Initially, Congress appealed to the Commissioner of Income Tax, but their arguments were rejected. Subsequently, Congress approached The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, where they also did not find relief. Finally, Congress took the matter to the Delhi High Court, which on March 13, 2024, dismissed their petition against the recovery proceedings,” the spokesperson added.

He said that the Congress then again approached the Delhi High Court to quash the reassessment proceedings under Section 153C for all seven years, 2014 to 2021. “On March 28, 2024, the Delhi High Court rejected this writ of Congress and allowed the completion of tax reassessment of three financial years under Section 153C. The High Court in its decision admitted that the department had sufficient and solid evidence for further investigation under the IT Act. The High Court found that income worth hundreds of crores of rupees has been hidden,” he added.