Snuffing out rebellion? GST raid on BJP leader Pankaja Munde’s sugar factory sparks speculation

The raid for alleged tax evasion comes after Munde completed her Shiv Shakti Parikrama pilgrimage, seen as the Maharashtra OBC leader's attempt to consolidate her support base.

The Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) Commissionerate Sunday seized assets worth Rs 19 crore from BJP leader Pankaja Munde’s sugar factory in Parli, in Maharashtra’s Beed district, for alleged tax evasion.

This comes soon after Munde her Shiv Shakti Parikrama, an eight-day pilgrimage of Maharashtra’s Shakti Peeths and jyotirlingas earlier this month. At a time when the issue of  and OBC protests are at a peak in the state, the pilgrimage was seen by the BJP as an attempt by the OBC leader to consolidate her individual support base.

“It the actionwas a signal to her that any kind of rebellion or indiscipline won’t be tolerated,” said senior political analyst Hemant Desai.

Bacchu Kadu, head of Prahar Janshakti Party — a part of the state government — told the reporters on Monday in Amravati that “the action must be the result of her latest tour”.

However, BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye told ThePrint that there is no politics involved in this action.

“Pankaja tai is our leader. What has happened has nothing to do with any kind of politics. One should not read too much into this. Whatever has happened, has happened as per the law and will be dealt with accordingly,” said Upadhye.

Munde’s Vaidyanath Sugar Factory was also raided by GST officials earlier in April for alleged tax evasion. The officials had visited the non-functional factory, which had been facing financial trouble for the past six years, and collected some documents.

ThePrint reached the Central GST Aurangabad commissioner’s office via email and Pankaja Munde via calls. This report will be updated if and when responses are received.