The Congress party raised strong objections against the freezing of its bank accounts by the Income Tax Department, labeling the move as an assault on democracy orchestrated by the Modi government. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, condemned the action, asserting their commitment to defending Indias democratic principles.Kharges Allegations and Appeal to JudiciaryTaking to Twitter, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the Modi government for freezing the accounts of the largest opposition party just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. He described it as a severe blow to democracy, accusing the ruling BJP of hoarding unconstitutional funds for electoral purposes while stifling Congresss legitimate crowdfunding efforts. Kharge urged the judiciary to intervene and safeguard the multi-party system, vowing to protest against the injustice and dictatorship exhibited by freezing their accounts.Rahul Gandhis DefianceFormer Congress President Rahul Gandhi directed a direct message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that Congress derives its strength not from financial power but from the peoples support. Gandhi declared that Congress has never capitulated to dictatorship and will continue to resist any attempt to undermine Indias democracy. He rallied every Congress member to stand firm in defending the nations democratic values.Makens Critique of Governments ActionsAddressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters, National Treasurer Ajay Maken lamented the erosion of democracy in India, highlighting the freezing of the main opposition partys bank accounts as evidence. Maken derided the reasons cited for the freezing, deeming them trivial and arbitrary. He disclosed that the Income Tax Department imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 210 crore on Congress, citing delays in submitting accounts and alleged discrepancies in election expenditure.Maken argued that the funds in Congresss accounts, including Rs 25 crore from online crowdfunding and Youth Congress membership drives, were obtained legally and transparently. He questioned the Modi governments authority to freeze these accounts, suggesting a systematic effort to dismantle democracy and establish a one-party rule.Call for Action Against BJPMaken called for similar scrutiny of BJPs accounts, alleging the presence of unconstitutional funds, echoing the sentiment that democracy is under threat in India. He revealed that only a fraction of the frozen amount, Rs 115 crore, was available for Congress to utilize, emphasizing the disparity between the frozen assets and the partys actual financial resources.As Congress mobilizes against what it perceives as an attack on democracy, the unfolding events underscore the intensifying political tensions in India, with implications for the forthcoming elections.
