In a bold move ahead of the 2024 elections, the Congress party has promised to recover unpaid Goods and Services Tax (GST) dues from casinos if they come to power. The announcement comes as a part of the party’s election manifesto, which aims to crack down on tax evasion and boost revenue for the government.
According to Congress party leaders, casinos in several states have been evading GST payments for years, leading to significant losses for the government. The party has estimated that the total amount of unpaid dues from casinos could be in the range of billions of rupees.
Speaking at a press conference, Congress spokesperson Mohan Kumar stated, “It is unacceptable that casinos, which make huge profits, are not paying their fair share of taxes. If the Congress party comes to power in 2024, we will ensure that these dues are recovered and that the rule of law is upheld.”
The promise to recover GST dues from casinos has been met with mixed reactions from political analysts and industry experts. While some have praised the move as a step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the gambling industry, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the economy.
“Recovering unpaid taxes from casinos is a positive step towards curbing tax evasion and increasing government revenue,” said economist Priya Sharma. “However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of such a move on the overall economy, particularly in states where the casino industry plays a significant role in tourism and employment.”
The Congress party’s manifesto for the 2024 elections also includes promises to strengthen social welfare programs, promote economic growth, and tackle corruption. The party is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the current ruling party, with a focus on addressing issues of accountability and transparency.
As the election season heats up, the promise to recover GST dues from casinos is likely to be a hot topic of debate among voters and political pundits. With just months to go until polling day, all eyes will be on the Congress party as they make their case to the electorate.