NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday joined the chorus on the misuse of Income-Tax (I-T) department to disallow Opposition parties, ahead of Lok Sabha elections to source crowdfunding after Congress accused BJP-ruled Centre of freezing their several bank accounts over non-payment of taxes.
AAP criticised the freezing of bank accounts belonging to the Congress and Youth Congress by the Income Tax Department, terming it a conspiracy to manipulate the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Senior AAP leaders, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, condemned the action, labeling it as an assault on democracy and an attempt to influence the electoral process.
Addressing the media, Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted the timing of the Income Tax Department’s move, stating, “Elections are going to be announced any time in a week or two, and freezing the bank account of the primary opposition party before that is completely illegal and undemocratic.” He expressed concern over the potential impact on the democratic fabric of the country.
Bharadwaj drew attention to the recent Supreme Court ruling declaring electoral bonds illegal and unconstitutional. He urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to disclose details about the donors and potential quid pro quo, stating, “The Bharatiya Janata Party got about Rs 6566 crores from big corporate houses while the Aam Aadmi Party got only Rs 94 crores.
Pointing out a discernible pattern in the government’s approach towards opposition parties, Atishi noted, “A pattern is visible; a design is visible that the Central Government is using each and every one of its agencies against the opposition.” Atishi emphasised a multi-pronged strategy, starting with notices from investigative agencies like the ED and CBI and now freezing bank accounts, hindering opposition parties from contesting elections effectively.
The AAP leaders predicted a continuation of such tactics, stating, “Today, this has happened with the Congress party, but I can say with certainty that in the next 15 days, before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, this will happen with other opposition parties too.”
Atishi emphasised that freezing bank accounts handicaps opposition parties, preventing them from campaigning effectively and participating fully in the electoral process.
Bharadwaj stressed the importance of transparency, urging the BJP to reveal which corporate houses contributed and whether the party reciprocated with favors.
The AAP leaders collectively denounced the BJP’s actions, framing them as an attack not only on opposition parties but as a severe threat to the democratic foundation of the nation.