Blow For Congress As Tribunal Rejects Plea To Stop Action Against Its Bank Accounts

New Delhi: In a major blow for the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has declined the party’s plea to halt the department’s action against its bank accounts.

The Congress’ counsel, Vivek Tankha, expressed disappointment over the tribunal’s decision and announced plans to approach the Delhi High Court. Tankha, who heads the Congress’ legal cell, criticized the tribunal for not adhering to its own precedents, particularly in light of the impending national elections.

The Income Tax Department had frozen ₹115 crore in Congress’ bank accounts earlier, citing tax demands totalling ₹210 crore for the financial year 2018-19. Despite ongoing legal proceedings, Congress leader Ajay Maken revealed that ₹65 crore had already been withdrawn by the department from three of the party’s accounts.

Accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies, Congress labelled the tax demand as politically motivated and aimed at disrupting its election preparations.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concerns over the Income Tax department’s actions, calling it a blow to democracy. He urged the judiciary to uphold India’s democratic principles and vowed to fight against what he described as “injustice and dictatorship.”