Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked controversy on Thursday by alleging that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had abolished the inheritance tax in India solely to save his inherited property from government acquisition. Addressing a rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi asserted that the Congress party, led by Rajiv Gandhi, had earlier implemented a rule requiring a portion of inherited property to be surrendered to the government. However, to avoid this fate for his own inherited assets, Rajiv Gandhi is said to have scrapped the inheritance law in 1985.
PM Modi further claimed that the Congress is now planning to reintroduce the inheritance tax and conduct thorough investigations into citizens’ properties and valuables, even targeting their jewelry. He accused the Congress of indulging in religious appeasement by providing reservations to Muslims, citing the example of the Karnataka government’s recent decision to grant OBC status to the entire Muslim community.
The Congress party strongly refuted PM Modi’s allegations, denying any plans to reimpose the inheritance tax or discriminate against any religious group. The party highlighted its initiatives to provide free ration to 80 crore people without religious bias, prioritizing the poor and needy.
PM Modi’s speech also included criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had earlier used derogatory language against him. PM Modi urged his supporters not to be disheartened by such insults, emphasizing that he is a ‘Kaamdar’ (worker) serving the nation, in contrast to the ‘Naamdar’ (dynast) background of his political rivals.
PM Modi also highlighted the achievements of his government in Madhya Pradesh, including the development and transformation of the Chambal region. He contrasted this with the alleged neglect and misgovernance of the previous Congress government in the state.
