Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and candidate from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, Mehbooba Mufti, praised the Congress party’s manifesto for the 2024 elections, calling it “the best manifesto by Congress in 70 years.” Mufti’s comments came amidst criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the Congress party of promoting appeasement and promising to favor Muslims.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Mufti commented on the political climate, suggesting that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, is feeling the pressure due to the positive impact of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). “NDA is nervous and INDIA alliance is doing very good work. Congress gave a pro-people manifesto. It is the best manifesto by Congress in 70 years, and due to that, the BJP leaders are giving Hindu-Muslim statements,” said Mufti.
The Congress manifesto has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging that the Congress intends to “loot people” through its policy proposals. Modi also took aim at Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s comments on inheritance tax, suggesting that Congress’s plan would tax people “while living and on death.” He further ridiculed the opposition with the slogan, “Congress Ki Loot, Zindagi Ke Saath Bhi, Zindagi Ke Baad Bhi.”
The backlash extended to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who branded Pitroda’s remarks as “Congress’s tax terrorism.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sitharaman highlighted her concern, stating, “So, the Congress’ plan is ‘While living—Tax. On death—Tax (Inheritance). Aims to hit the middle and aspirational classes. Their savings or small holdings shall not go to their children. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s ‘Organized loot and legalized plunder’ will be seen in action. Congress’ Tax terrorism.”
In response to the controversy, Pitroda clarified that his reference to the inheritance tax in the United States was merely an example in a broader conversation on television. He emphasized that his remarks were not intended to suggest any specific policy of the Congress party, stating on X, “I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kinds of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with the policy of any party, including Congress.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, the INDIA alliance continues to receive support from prominent leaders like Mehbooba Mufti, underscoring the significance of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the growing debate over political rhetoric and policy proposals.
