Sam Pitroda 'Inheritance Tax' Remarks Sparks Huge Controversy; Congress Responds On PM Modi Allegations

Sam Pitroda 'Inheritance Tax' Remarks Sparks Huge Controversy

Sam Pitroda Inheritance Tax Remarks Sparks Huge Controversy: Pitroda allegedly elaborated on the concept of inheritance tax in an interview with news agency ANI, emphasizing the need for wealth redistribution.

Sam Pitroda told ANI, "In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. That's an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair."

While addressing the Vijay Sankalp Shankhnaad Maharally in Surguja, Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Congress over Sam Pitroda's inheritance tax remarks, saying the Congress is trying to steal your assets and your children's rights and also give reservations to Muslims from the quota for SC, ST, and OCB communities. Inheritance tax will be imposed by Congress, he said.

Check Out: Lok Sabha Elections: BJP Clinches First Seat As Surat Candidate Wins Unopposed

He said that to support Congress' alleged plan to redistribute assets in India, Pitroda advocated for inheritance tax provisions similar to those in the US.

As a result of Sam Pitroda's interview, several BJP leaders have attacked the Congress.

"Family Advisor is spilling the beans - their intention is 'organized loot and legalised plunder' of your hard-earned money," Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X.

The party's spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala also accused the Congress of stealing taxpayer resources.

Indian Overseas Congress chairman Pitroda clarified his remarks on inheritance tax on Wednesday, claiming they were twisted to divert attention.

“It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PM’s comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal,” Sam Pitroda said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PM’s comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal.

— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

Congress distanced itself from Pitroda's remarks as the controversy grew. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Pitroda's views are not those of the party.

Jairam Ramesh posted on X, "Sam Pitroda has been a mentor, friend, philosopher, and guide to many across the world, including me. He has made numerous, enduring contributions to India's developments. He is the President of the Indian Overseas Congress. Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he feels strongly about. Surely, in a democracy, an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views. This does not mean that Mr. Pitroda's views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress."

According to him, they often don't. It is a deliberate and desperate attempt to divert attention away from Narendra Modi's malicious and mischievous election campaign, which is anchored purely on lies and more lies, by sensationalizing his comments and pulling them out of context now.

Check Out: AP Elections Update: Pawan Kalyan Files Nomination Papers In Pithapuram