Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar has raised eyebrows by declaring a taxable income that could fit comfortably in a piggy bank.
On Thursday, Chandrasekhar criticized the Congress, alleging that their actions amidst the controversy over his poll affidavit were an "Obvious attempt to divert voters' attention".
Facing a storm of criticism from the opposition, particularly the Congress, Chandrashekhar has been forced to defend his financial transparency or lack thereof. His declaration of a meager Rs 680 as taxable income for the fiscal year 2021-2022 has sparked outrage and disbelief in equal measure.
Responding to accusations that his financial statements resemble the budget of a lemonade stand rather than that of a government official, Chandrashekhar dismissed the allegations as a desperate ploy to divert attention from real issues.
"I am only in public life for several years, and my income is derived only from MP or Minister’s salary and perks, and interest/dividend from savings/investments," he said in a post on social media.
He added, “Year 2021-2022 my taxable income was sharply reduced because of partnership losses incurred during the Covid period. My 18-year-career in public life has been totally free from any blemish despite many attempts by (the Congress), including their recent attempt after my entry into Thiruvananthapuram.”
He went on to explain that his taxable income took a nosedive due to partnership losses incurred during the Covid-19 period.
In a nation where the pandemic has ravaged livelihoods and economies, Chandrashekhar's financial struggles, though microscopic in comparison to the common man's, apparently merits sympathy.
However, the Congress isn't buying his sob story. Alleging discrepancies in Chandrashekhar's asset values and investments, they have accused him of violating not only the Representation of the People Act, 1951, but also the Indian Penal Code.
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