Amidst the ongoing political debate over the grand old party’s poll promise of ‘wealth distribution,’ the Indian Overseas Congress chairman’s suggestion of an ‘inheritance tax’ has stirred controversy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vehemently criticized the proposal, with UP CM Yogi Adityanath launching a scathing attack on Congress over alleged plans to implement ‘Sharia law’ and ‘looting’ common people’s property.
Adityanath asserted that Congress has historically prioritized its own political interests at the nation’s expense, and the inheritance tax proposal is a continuation of this trend. He claimed that Congress aims to distribute property among ‘intruders’ and ‘Rohingyas’ as part of its vote bank strategy.
The chief minister further accused Congress of seeking to impose ‘Sharia law’ in India, following Prime Minister Modi’s allegations that the party had favored the distribution of property to the Muslim community. He questioned whether the country would be governed by the Constitution or by Shariat law if Congress came to power.
The inheritance tax debate originated from a TV debate where senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda cited America’s inheritance tax system as an example. Pitroda suggested that a similar system could be considered in India, where the government would receive a portion of wealth passed down to heirs. However, Congress has since distanced itself from Pitroda’s remark, and he himself has clarified that he was merely discussing an example and not proposing a policy.
Despite the controversy, the debate has brought to light the complex issue of wealth distribution and the role of government in managing inherited wealth. It remains to be seen how this issue will play out in the upcoming political discourse and whether Congress will formally adopt the inheritance tax proposal as part of its manifesto.
