Following revelations in the Paradise Papers, the Congress has slammed the Centre, accusing it of failing to act against black money and corruption.
The names of more than 700 Indians, including those of politicians, corporates and celebrities, figure in the leaked ‘Paradise Papers’, which detail business dealings of “the world’s most powerful people and companies” in offshore tax havens.
The Congress said the government initiated no steps when the Panama Papers appeared and challenged the BJP to file FIRs against Minister Jayant Sinha and party MP RK Sinha for their alleged links to offshore entities.
The Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “so called fight” against black money and corruption remains a ‘complete flop’. “Modi had promised to bring back ₹80 lakh crore in the first 100 days and depositing ₹15 Lakh in bank accounts of every Indian. 41 months thereafter, Modi has backstabbed the people of electorate,” he said.
When asked about the role of senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily’s son Harsha Moily in the deals, Surjewala said Harsha Moily is a private individual.
On Jayant Sinha, the party said there are enough evidences to start an investigation against him. “Does it not compromise the position of Jayant Sinha as MoS? Does it not tantamount to ‘Conflict of Interest’? Does the non-disclosure of all information in the affidavit before Election Commission not an electoral offence?” Surjewala asked.
“Will PM show the courage of conviction to hand over this entire information to the bench of Supreme Court that is looking at action against black money holders? Will the “Compromised Bureau of Investigation” (CBI) and ED take action?”