BJP Accuses Punjab Government of 'Robbing' Traders
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Synopsis
On April 22, the BJP criticized the AAP government in Punjab, claiming it is 'looting' traders to fund its Delhi leaders. Anil Sareen expressed concerns over new taxation directives leading to excessive inspections and fines, warning of impending protests if the situation does not change.
Key Takeaways
- BJP alleges AAP government is looting traders.
- New directive increases inspections and potential fines.
- Estimated annual revenue from fines could reach Rs 1,152 crore.
- Concerns raised over arbitrary enforcement and corruption.
- BJP threatens statewide protests if actions are not reversed.
Chandigarh, April 22 (NationPress) The BJP accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration in Punjab on Tuesday of “looting” traders within the state to finance the expenses of its leaders in Delhi.
“The AAP government is currently utilizing the Taxation Department as a means of extortion,” state BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen stated to the media here.
“There is a Punjabi saying: 'Eat your own, bring ours too'. This perfectly describes the current situation under the AAP government,” he added.
Sareen pointed out that the AAP administration issued a new directive on April 18, directing Deputy Commissioners in the Taxation Department to ensure that every Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) performs four inspections each month, resolving them within a month.
“This will lead to approximately 1,200 inspections statewide every month. If an average penalty of Rs 8 lakh is imposed per inspection, the monthly revenue would reach Rs 96 crore, amounting to a staggering Rs 1,152 crore annually,” he explained.
He cautioned that this would undoubtedly lead to arbitrary actions from officials, fostering a culture of inspector raj and open corruption.
Along with Punjab BJP General Secretary Rakesh Rathore, state media head Vineet Joshi, joint cashier Sukhwinder Singh Goldy, and former vice-chairman of the National Minority Commission, Manjit Singh Rai, Sareen further asserted that the government has unofficially instructed officers that every inspection must generate fines of Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakh.
“This is not just harassment of traders; it represents a direct theft of their hard-earned money,” he claimed.
He also highlighted the economic losses incurred from the closure of the Shambhu border and criticized the state administration for “failing” to recognize the challenges faced by a border state, opting instead to intimidate the business community.
Sareen warned that if the government does not retract this directive and cease “extorting” traders, the BJP will initiate a statewide protest.
