In a sharp critique of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anil Sarin has launched a fierce attack, accusing the state administration of fostering an environment of "open loot, intimidation, and fear" under the guise of Goods and Services Tax (GST) enforcement. The BJP's Punjab general secretary dismissed the government's claims of rising revenue as a public deception.
Allegations of Figure Manipulation and Deception
Anil Sarin directly challenged the statement made by Punjab's Finance Minister, Harpal Cheema, regarding a 16% increase in GST revenue. Sarin labeled this claim as nothing more than a manipulation of statistics designed to mislead the people of Punjab. He argued that by projecting a collection of Rs 17,860 crore for the period from April to November, the AAP government is attempting to mask its failures.
The BJP leader revealed a contrasting ground reality, alleging that GST refunds owed to traders were deliberately withheld for several months. He stated that relevant files had been lying unattended since May, while the government was busy presenting inflated and false revenue figures to the public.
Intimidation Tactics and Targeted Recoveries
Sarin detailed aggressive methods allegedly employed by the state's GST department. He claimed that officials were instructed to conduct up to four inspections per trader and to execute targeted recoveries amounting to nearly Rs 100 crore every month. This approach, he asserted, has been used to intimidate the business community.
Traders are reportedly being pressured with a barrage of penalty notices, and the State Intelligence apparatus is being misused to apply pressure and choke business operations, according to the allegations. Sarin pointed to the government's own data as evidence, noting that collections facilitated through State Intelligence had surged from Rs 321 crore to Rs 618 crore.
Coercion Cannot Be Called Reform
Anil Sarin concluded that this substantial increase in collections is clear proof that money is being extracted through fear, coercion, and intimidation. He emphatically stated that such practices cannot be termed as tax reform under any circumstances. The BJP leader's remarks were made at an event where Punjab BJP state media head Vineet Joshi and co-treasurer Sukhwinder Singh Goldy were also present, signaling a unified party stance against the government's fiscal policies.
The allegations present a serious challenge to the AAP government's narrative of efficient tax administration and raise questions about the methods used to achieve revenue targets. The situation highlights the growing political tension in Punjab over economic governance and the treatment of the trading community.
