The opposition on Wednesday accused the Centre of indulging in "tax terrorism", alleging that the Finance Bill should be renamed as "tax trap bill" and a "reverse Robin Hood" syndrome was prevailing under the Modi government.
Robin Hood was a legendary outlaw in English folklore who stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
Participating in the debate on the Finance Bill, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee said there is no doubt that the country is the fastest growing economy in the world, but the poor people of India are not getting its benefits.
"The vision of PM Modi has been to establish a simple, efficient and fair technology-driven taxation regime in this country. So, simplification and ease of compliance for the taxpayer has been the primary objective with which in the last 10 years, and this year, in the third term of PM Modi, the approach to taxation has been to simplify it, reduce the burden on taxpayer and make sure it is transparent and equitas. This year also, our approach has been that we bring in greater simplification of tax laws and procedures, and that we enable growth and employment in this country,"
The government of India is responsible for defending Manipur and must take stern action against communal and divisive forces that have wreaked havoc in the state, Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam said on Wednesday.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the Congress MP said divisive elements as well as “foreign powers” and “illegal immigrants” were disrupting peace efforts in the state that has been facing crisis for 14 months.
Speaking in Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that without drastically increasing taxes, Modi govt brought in simplified taxation regime, eased compliance.
She said middle class benefitted from various tax proposals in budgets under Modi Govt
The Congress on Wednesday urged the government to make all efforts to appeal against Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics, with party leader Rahul Gandhi expressing confidence that she will come back stronger to the wrestling arena.
In a shocking reversal of fortunes, Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after being found overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final, leaving her medal-less within hours of coming close to an unparalleled gold.
She had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. Before this morning, she was assured of at least a silver medal but will now be coming back empty-handed due to the disqualification.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said India's pride, Vinesh Phogat defeated world champions but has been disqualified due to technical reasons.
"She went through a lot. From protesting at the footpath for justice to reaching the pinnacle podium of the Olympics. It is extremely distressing of what she must be going through," Kharge said in a post on X.
"The government should make all efforts to make an appeal with the @iocmedia and provide justice to our champion. We are with you Vinesh Phogat and our prayers are with you. Your courage is forever inspiring. We believe that you will return to the ring with greater determination," he said.
(PTI)