PANAJI: The Congress in Goa on Friday condemned the BJP-led Central government for freezing 11 of the party’s bank accounts just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Panaji, GPCC President Amit Patkar slammed the BJP for using such “undemocratic ways” to stifle his party.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MP Francisco Sardinha, MLAs Carlos Alvares Ferreira and Alton D’Costa besides former Union minister Ramakant Khalap were present.
Patkar alleged that the bank accounts were frozen on an income tax demand of Rs 210 crore for the financial year 2018-’19 and that Rs 115.3 crore were forcibly withdrawn.
“Election is nearing and stifling the party’s funds is the BJP’s agenda to restrain us.”
“BJP fears that they are losing,” Patkar said, adding that no political party, including the BJP pays income tax.
He said, the notice for FY 2017-18, marked a lien on Rs 210 crore in 11 accounts in four Banks.
“We condemn this act of BJP to freeze accounts. Last week we received fresh notice from the I-T Department for the FY 1993-94. They are opening the old issue unnecessarily, only to trouble us,” Patkar said.
Meanwhile, Alemao said: “BJP is using all agencies to bulldoze democracy. Now at least the Election Commission should intervene. Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and should understand the gravity.”
