Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticized the Congress party’s plan for wealth redistribution, as suggested by Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitroda. Pitroda had advocated for a 50% inheritance tax in India, similar to the system in the US. Shah accused the Congress of wanting to take over private property and distribute it at their discretion, as they did during the UPA regime. He demanded that the Congress withdraw the wealth redistribution proposal from their manifesto or acknowledge their intentions.
Shah’s comments came after Pitroda emphasized the need for policy toward wealth redistribution and elaborated on the concept of inheritance tax prevailing in America. He said that in the US, 55% of wealth is taken by the government upon inheritance, leaving only 45% for the heirs. Pitroda argued that this ensures that wealth is shared with the public, not just concentrated in the hands of the super-rich.
However, the Congress party distanced itself from Pitroda’s comments and drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Pitroda later played down his inheritance tax suggestion, stating that he was merely using it as an example in a general conversation about wealth distribution.
Shah, however, maintained that Pitroda’s remarks have exposed the Congress’ true intentions. He pointed to the mention of ‘survey’ in their manifesto, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement that minorities have the first right over the country’s resources, and now Pitroda’s suggestion of inheritance tax as evidence of the Congress’ desire to control and redistribute wealth.
In response to the BJP’s criticism, Pitroda questioned why they were in a panic and denied that he had suggested implementing the US inheritance tax system in India. He insisted that his comments were simply meant to spark discussion and debate on wealth distribution policies.
The Congress party has faced intense scrutiny for its wealth redistribution proposal, which has been labeled as an attack on private property and a violation of individual rights. The BJP has seized on this issue to portray the Congress as anti-business and anti-growth.
As the debate over wealth redistribution continues, it remains to be seen whether the Congress will modify its stance or face further criticism from its political opponents.
