AAP govt directs ETOs to conduct four raids every month; SAD and BJP say ‘tax terrorism'

Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP on Tuesday alleged that the AAP government had directed 240 Excise and Taxation Officers (ETOs) to conduct four raids each month, targeting penalties of Rs 8 lakh per case, and called it a 'goonda tax' and 'tax terrorism' to 'loot' small and medium traders.
The former allies warned to hold separate 'state-wide agitation against the government if the directive hat not been rolled back'.
The SAD, meanwhile, appealed to traders to gather in Ludhiana West during the ongoing by-election campaign.
Addressing a press conference in Amritsar, senior SAD leader NK Sharma said, 'We will not let Punjab traders be subjected to tax terrorism and be treated as criminals. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will lead the protest dharnas.'
Sharma alleged, 'The AAP government had directed 240 ETOs to conduct four raids each month, targeting penalties of Rs 8 lakh per case. This means 1,200 raids and a total annual collection exceeding Rs 1,100 crore. How can anyone do business in Punjab in such a situation?'
In Chandigarh, Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen alleged that the AAP government was using the taxation department as a 'tool for extortion', and warned, 'If the government does not roll back this directive and stops forcibly extorting traders, the BJP will launch a statewide agitation.' 'This will undoubtedly lead to arbitrary actions by officials and promote a culture of Inspector Raj and open corruption. The government has unofficially instructed officers to yield fines through the inspections. This isn't merely harassment of traders, but a direct robbery of their hard-earned money,' Sareen said.
Demanding the revival of the 2014 Rahat scheme introduced by then deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sharma said, 'The scheme ensured the dignity of traders and ended Inspector Raj.'
Accusing Delhi AAP leadership of the current situation in Punjab, Sharma said, 'The AAP's loss in the Delhi Assembly elections was a black day for Punjab. Their central leadership is now milking Punjab dry.'

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