Sam Pitroda Defends Stance On Inheritance Tax, Says 'Remark Not Related To Congress Policy'

Following criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over his backing of an “inheritance tax law,” Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, clarified his position in a recent X post on Wednesday, questioning his portrayal of his remarks by BJP and the media. He responded to the accusations, stating, “Who said 55% will be taken away ?  Who said some thing like this should be done in India ? Why is BJP and media in panic ?”

Who said 55% will be taken away ? Who said some thing like this should be done in India ? Why is BJP and media in panic ?

— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

“It is unfortunate that what I said  as an individual on inheritance tax  in the US is twisted  by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PM’s comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal,” he said. 

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PM’s comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal.

— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

The controversy emerged after Pitroda voiced support for wealth redistribution policies, advocating for the implementation of an inheritance tax law akin to that in the United States. Notably, Congress distanced itself from Pitroda’s statements, labelling them as his “personal opinion”. 

“I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts ? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with policy of any party  including congress,” Pitroda clarified. 

I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts ? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with policy of any party including congress.

— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

Expressing disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks equating the Congress manifesto with “erstwhile ‘Muslim League’”, Pitroda had labelled Modi a pathological liar’ and condemned the alleged misinterpretation of the Congress manifesto by the BJP.

READ | BJP Slams Sam Pitroda For Backing '50% Inheritance Tax Law', Congress Reacts

In response to Pitroda’s defence of the inheritance tax proposal, Amit Malviya, BJP’s head of IT cell, accused Congress of aiming to “destroy India”, warning adverse effects of such a tax policy.