AAP Finds BJP's 'Tax Terrorism' Claims Ridiculous
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Synopsis
On April 22, AAP spokesperson Neel Garg criticized BJP's allegations against Punjab's taxation policies, labeling them as baseless. He emphasized the AAP government's focus on transparency and accountability in contrast to BJP's governance tactics, which he claims foster a climate of fear among local traders.
Key Takeaways
- BJP leaders accused AAP of tax terrorism, which Garg called absurd.
- AAP's new directive mandates monthly inspections by ETOs.
- Projected revenue from inspections is ₹1,152 crore annually.
- BJP's GST policies burden small traders.
- AAP has shown record revenue growth in Punjab.
Chandigarh, April 22 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab spokesperson Neel Garg on Tuesday criticized the BJP for its unfounded accusations regarding the taxation strategies of the Punjab government.
“It is absurd that BJP leaders, who have established tax terrorism across India, are blaming Punjab's AAP government for it,” Garg expressed during a press briefing. His remarks followed the state BJP unit's claims that the AAP government was “exploiting” local traders to fund its Delhi leaders.
The AAP administration implemented a new directive on April 18, mandating Deputy Commissioners within the Taxation Department to ensure each Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) conducts four inspections monthly and resolves them within a month, as stated by state BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen.
“This will lead to approximately 1,200 inspections statewide each month. If an average penalty of ₹8 lakh is levied per inspection, the projected monthly revenue would be ₹96 crore, summing up to an astonishing ₹1,152 crore annually,” he noted.
In response to the BJP’s claims, AAP spokesperson Garg emphasized the application of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential goods such as milk, curd, educational resources, and religious materials for temples and gurdwaras. “The BJP, which pledged no new taxes upon taking power, has instead imposed a convoluted GST structure that burdens small traders and shopkeepers,” he asserted.
Garg further lambasted the BJP’s administration for cultivating a fear-driven environment through frequent raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department. “These raids under the BJP's regime instigate fear among traders and small enterprises. In contrast, Punjab’s AAP government emphasizes transparency and accountability, fostering growth without intimidation,” the AAP spokesperson argued.
Contrasting the governance of AAP with that of BJP's allies, Garg highlighted Punjab’s record revenue growth. He reported that excise revenue reached ₹28,020 crore in three years under AAP, exceeding the SAD-BJP's five-year total of ₹20,545 crore and the Congress' ₹27,395 crore. The GST collection under AAP was ₹64,253 crore in three years, more than triple the Congress' ₹21,286 crore across five years. Additionally, stamp duty and registration fees totaled ₹14,786 crore under AAP, surpassing Congress' ₹12,469 crore and SAD-BJP's ₹12,387 crore during their tenures.
He also denounced the BJP’s empty narratives and urged its leaders to engage in self-reflection. “Punjab is enjoying unprecedented growth under AAP, a scenario unimaginable during prior administrations. The BJP should contemplate its shortcomings instead of deceiving the public,” Garg concluded.
