Linking GST, PMLA is road to tax ‘terrorism’, alleges Congress
The Hindu
The Congress alleged that the Narendra Modi government has unleashed “tax terrorism” by surreptitiously bringing the Goods and Services Tax Network under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, saying that the move will be used to threaten trade and industry leaders
The Congress on Wednesday alleged that the Narendra Modi government has unleashed “tax terrorism” by surreptitiously bringing the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The move will be used to threaten trade and industry leaders who do not toe the government line, or are affiliated to the Opposition or have an independent voice, the principal opposition party alleged.
“Bringing GSTN under PMLA is the means by which the Modi Government plans to practice, promote and propagate tax terrorism,” senior leader Abhishek Singhvi said while addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters.
“The triplet tactic of constraint, compulsion and coercion by the BJP through the new law will wreak havoc on the business community in India. This is another tactic by the BJP to intimidate, incarcerate and imprison opposition leaders just ahead of the General Elections,” Mr Singhvi added.
He said a July 7 notification of the Finance Ministry, that amends an earlier 2006 notification, will facilitate sharing of information between the GSTN, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other investigative agencies. Changes have been made in provisions under Section 66 of the PMLA, which provides for disclosure of information, Mr Singhvi said.
“Why was such a new law introduced when there is less than a year left for the General Elections?
Is this a way of settling political scores? Or a way to suppress grassroots funders of opposition parties?”asked the Congress spokesperson.
The Opposition Congress demanded that the government open the Gandhi Vatika Museum, depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and freedom struggle, built at a cost of ₹85 crore in Jaipur’s Central Park last year, during the Congress-led regime in Rajasthan. The museum has not been opened to the public, reportedly because of the administration’s engagements with the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.