Sam Pitroda Controversy: Has Congress Promised Wealth Redistribution In Manifesto? BJP vs Congress Fact Check

Recently, Mr. Pitroda’s remarks about an inheritance tax in the US led to heightened tensions within the Congress, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiation of the issue at a recent rally. While the Congress distanced itself from Pitroda’s comments, he clarified that he was merely expressing his personal views and lamented the distortion of his words to divert attention from the party’s manifesto. The BJP seized upon these comments, alleging that the Congress manifesto advocates seizing and redistributing Indian wealth, which the party vigorously denies. The Congress manifesto, known as the ‘Nyay Patra,’ outlines plans for a nationwide socio-economic and caste census, addressing wealth inequality and instituting affirmative action policies.

However, it does not explicitly mention seizing the wealth of the rich and distributing it among the poor. The party’s manifesto emphasizes the need to address growing inequality through policy changes and promises to provide institutional credit to minorities without discrimination. Moreover, the manifesto discusses the implementation of an inheritance tax, stating that 45% of property worth over US dollars 10 million would go to the children, with the remaining 55% going to the government. It is crucial to note that the US does not have a federal inheritance tax, although some states impose taxes on inherited assets above a certain threshold.

In response to Pitroda’s remarks, the Congress has been pushed into defense mode, insisting that his views do not necessarily mirror the party’s stance. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized in a tweet that Pitroda’s opinions may not always align with the party’s official position. Additionally, the party has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission regarding PM Modi’s speech, characterizing the Congress’s intentions as dangerous. PM Modi asserted that the Congress aims to seize accumulated wealth and reiterated his allegations at a poll rally.