Opposition raises doubts over Finance Commission's 'U-turn'

Mumbai: The Opposition has raised doubts over the 15th Finance Commission’s U-turn while praising Maharashtra for its economic progress and simultaneously expressing concern over its tax collection.

Calling the U-turn proof of the pressure on such important constitutional institutions, the Opposition has raised concern over their status. It has also blamed the U-turn on governmental pressure on intel-lectuals and the media to fall in line.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said, “Before reaching Maharashtra, the commission was worried about the health of the economy. It had said so in the press note. Not just that, it had given a complete picture of the year-wise analysis of tax collection and how it had declined si-nce the BJP government rose to power. What suddenly changed its stand? Now it is trying to wash its hands off the matter by citing the accountant general of Maharashtra as the source of the numbers.”

Mr Vikhe-Patil also raised questions over the explanation given by the Finance Comm-ission. “The tax collection was 11.07 per cent till 2016-17. It rose to 13.08 per cent in 2017-18. If it increased, why is the government tabling supplementary demands in every session? This means that there is an attempt to cover up the earlier note,” he said.

NCP state chief and former state finance minister, Jayant Patil, said, “The commission should bear in mind that there is great respect for the institution in India’s financial sector. Chang-ing stand owing to political pressure will put a question mark on the respect it commands. For institutional credibility, such things need to be avoided.”

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Ajit Abhyankar said the U-turn was clear proof of how constitutional bodies were under pressure in the BJP regime. “You can’t hide the truth. It will come out today or tomorrow. But till then, the damage to has already been done,” he said.