FM downplays Gujarat I-T notice issue, terming it a routine affair

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today downplayed the controversy over Income Tax notice to Gujarat on Vibrant Gujarat Summit investments.

Mukherjee giving statement on the issue in parliament today said a notice to Gujarat government was a “routine” affair by income tax officials. “It is routinely carried out,” he said.

The BJP had on Wednesday disrupted the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha demanding statement by either the Prime Minister of Finance minister on Gujarat issue. The BJP alleged that I-T move was an “assault” on the federal character of the country. BJP was supported by ally JD(U) and BJD on this issue.

In his reply the minister said was a routine affair and it was based on two complaints made on December 10 and December 22 of 2010 by the Leader of the Opposition of the Gujarat Assembly(from Congress party).

Mukherjee said I-T officials in the state sought details of the investment MoUs worth Rs 1,000 crore signed between the state and private entrepreneurs during the Summit to “verify the complaints” of tax evasion.