AIADMK and BJP Escalate Criticism of TVK Chief Vijay Following High Court Ruling
In Chennai, the political landscape has heated up as the AIADMK and BJP launched a fierce attack on TVK president Vijay. This comes in the wake of a significant legal development where the Madras High Court upheld a penalty of Rs 1.5 crore imposed on him by the Income Tax department. The penalty was levied for his failure to voluntarily disclose additional income during the financial year 2015-16, sparking a wave of criticism from opposition parties.
Opposition Questions Vijay's Governance Claims Amid Tax Controversy
The AIADMK and BJP have sharply questioned Vijay's assertions of offering corruption-free governance, arguing that his actions contradict his words. BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran remarked, "Only now the whistle has started blowing," suggesting that Vijay might face further setbacks in the coming days. He added ominously, "Soon, there would be drum beats," hinting at more revelations or legal challenges ahead.
AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan emphasized the expectation for leaders to practice what they preach. He stated, "The high court order exposed Vijay, as it was a clear case of concealing income in violation of the law." Sathyan also pointed to a pattern of tax non-compliance, referencing previous court admonishments in the Rolls-Royce car import case, and speculated that more such issues could surface.
Allegations of Unaccounted Money and Political Strategy
Adding to the criticism, former AIADMK minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan alleged that Vijay's earnings involve unaccounted money. He declared that the AIADMK plans to "expose" Vijay by highlighting this issue during upcoming election campaigns, aiming to sway public opinion against the TVK leader.
On social media, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai posted on X, questioning how someone penalized for hiding income could advocate for clean governance. He called Vijay a "serial tax offender" and urged him to seek a public apology and cease evading tax authorities.
Congress Takes a Different Stance on the Matter
In contrast, Tamil Nadu Congress leaders opted not to criticize Vijay. TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai declined to comment on the issue, while Congress MP Karti Chidambaram offered a nuanced perspective. Chidambaram clarified, "This is a tax matter and cannot be termed corruption. Corruption is when someone misuses their position in government to enrich themselves." He explained that income-tax disputes often arise from interpretations by assessing officers and that taxpayers have the right to challenge such demands through legal appeals, including in higher courts.
TVK's Response and Legal Defense
Responding to the mounting criticism, TVK general secretary (propaganda) K G Arun Raj defended Vijay by questioning the AIADMK's moral authority to speak on corruption. He asserted that Vijay had sought exemptions permitted under law and noted that an earlier appeal before the Income Tax commissionerate had been decided in his favor. Regarding the recent High Court order, Arun Raj stated, "We will file an appeal after consulting our legal team," indicating plans to continue the legal battle.
This controversy underscores the intense political rivalry in Tamil Nadu, with tax compliance becoming a focal point in debates over governance and integrity. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact Vijay's political standing and the upcoming electoral dynamics in the state.
