Priyanka Gandhi’s Nomination in Wayanad Sparks Controversy Over Income Tax Claims
Wayanad, 24th October 2024: A day after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra submitted her nomination for the Lok Sabha bye-election in Kerala’s Wayanad, the BJP criticized her on Thursday, alleging that the declared net worth of her husband, Robert Vadra, in her election affidavit was lower than the amount claimed by the income tax department. Vadra countered that the BJP was attempting to divert attention from more pressing issues and maintained that he had done nothing wrong.
The BJP further claimed that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, a Dalit leader, was made to wait outside while Priyanka filed her nomination. The Congress party dismissed this allegation as mere propaganda.
A BJP spokesperson stated, “Priyanka did not file the affidavit voluntarily; it is a Supreme Court requirement. The declared net worth of Vadra is below the amount sought by the income tax department. In 2010-11, the demand was Rs 7 crore; in 2011-12, it was Rs 3 crore; in 2013-14, it was Rs 11 crore; and in 2014-15, it was Rs 10 crore. Overall, the total demand from the income tax department amounts to Rs 75 crore.”
He criticized the Gandhi family, stating, “The entire nation is urging Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka to explain the sources of their apparent ill-gotten wealth. They need to provide answers so the public is informed.”
He further accused Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy for alleging corruption against the BJP while his brother-in-law invests in the same companies he criticizes. “It’s been 11 years of the PM’s tenure, and he remains untarnished by any allegations,” he added.
Labelling the Gandhi family as “people with SUVs and farmhouses,” he pointed out that Priyanka’s affidavit listed the value of a house in Shimla at significantly below market value.
In response, Robert Vadra stated, “People know the truth. I haven’t done anything wrong, and I am willing to face any investigation.”
The BJP showcased images from Priyanka’s election affidavit filing, claiming that while members of the Gandhi family were allowed inside, Kharge was left outside. “The Gandhi family knows how to manipulate Dalits and backward classes. They may appoint a backward person to a position but control everything behind the scenes,” he said, recalling how former Congress president Sitaram Kesri was removed from the party headquarters before completing his term.
Congress leader Pranav Jha rejected the BJP’s claims, stating, “It’s unfortunate that even after a decade in power, the government and its ministers resort to falsehoods. In Wayanad, the district magistrate enforced a rule limiting the number of people in the room to five at a time. The video shows people taking turns to comply with this rule. Eventually, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal were also inside.”
He asserted that the BJP’s narrative is orchestrated to mislead and distract from the real issues facing the country.
