New Delhi: Reacting to the Income Tax department’s decision to withdraw ₹65 crore from its accounts, the Congress has questioned the move, claiming political parties don’t pay the direct tax in India. Ajay Maken wrote on his X account that neither the BJP nor the Congress paid the income tax, but still his party is facing a ₹210 crore tax demand.

“Yesterday, the Income Tax Department mandated banks to transfer over Rs65 crores from INC India, IYC, and NSUI accounts to the government–Rs5 crores from IYC and NSUI, and Rs60.25 crores from INC, marking a concerning move by the BJP Government,” he said.

“Is it common for National Political Parties to pay Income Tax? No,” he added.

“Does the BJP pay Income Tax? No,” Ajay Maken asked.

Ajay Maken questioned the Income Tax department’s demand of ₹210 crore, claiming it was an undemocratic act that posed a threat to India’s multi-party system.

“This situation raises a crucial question about the state of democracy. Is it under threat?, he said in his post on X.

Ajay Maken said the money in question was raised through crowdfunding and membership drives.

“This situation raises a crucial question about the state of democracy. Is it under threat? Our hope now lies with the judiciary,” Maken added.

The Congress has moved the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) against the recovery of the outstanding tax. It will hear the case on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the department told the court its action against the Congress was in accordance with the law. It said the court breached certain rules, which is why it must be treated as a “normal assesse”.

With inputs from ANI