Pankaj Lodhiya to Baba Ramdev: Who said what on black money names list

After the Centre on Monday disclosed the names of three prominent businesspersons related to black money in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, reactions from all over the country started pouring in. [caption id=“attachment_1774945” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] Pradip Burman, Former Executive Director of Dabur group, Goa-based miner Radha S Timblo and Bullion trader Pankaj Chimanlal Lodhiya were named by the Centre. The Centre also told the court that it had no intention to withhold names of persons who have stashed black money abroad and stated that information received from foreign countries will be disclosed in all cases where tax evasion is established. Following these events, here are some of the prominent reactions that came across the country: Dabur: We wish to state that this account was opened when he (Pradip Burman) was an NRI, and was legally allowed to open this account. We have followed all the laws and the complete details regarding the account have been voluntarily, and as per law, filed with the Income Tax Department, and appropriate taxes paid, wherever applicable. It is unfortunate that every person having a foreign bank account is being painted with the same brush. The Burman family is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, and encourage ethical behaviour at all levels. Pankaj Chimanlal Lodhiya: We have already declared in the income tax and there is nothing…we don’t have any Swiss account that is the only thing which I can say. (I have) no idea how I was named in the list. I came to know about this from the media…I am shocked. We are in the business for the last 15 years and we have business all over India. These are old issues and we have already replied to them (income tax department). Whatever information they require I can provide to them. God knows how my name turned up on the black money list. I am not one of them. I am a simple Gujarati businessman. I have followed all rules and regulations. Radha Timblo: I will have to study the affidavit first. Once I see the affidavit, I will come back with a proper explanation and a press note. Arvind Kejriwal: We had revealed all the three names related to black money disclosed by the government two years ago. We demand action against all the people involved in black money and illegal bank accounts. Congress, BJP are not revealing all the names in the black money case. GVL Narasimha Rao (BJP): The list of those with accounts in banks abroad has several Congress members. I must make it clear there are no names of BJP members in the list. This shows the government’s commitment to bring back black money. This is the first step… the legal process will take its due course. Several more names will be revealed. The process has begun to send notices to (illegal account holders to) prove the money in their accounts has legally earned. If they fail to prove it, it will be considered black money. Congress should not be complaining. They had the list for three years and they did not reveal a single name. The former finance minister P. Chidambaram then claimed that he had not seen the list. Nitish Kumar (JD-U): Kale dhan par BJP ka rukh unke kale maan ko dikhata hai (The approach of BJP on the issue of black money reflects black mind of its leaders). The party which had sought votes in the general election on the issue of corruption and black money during its five month tenure has come out with only three names which also they are not confirming. Kya is desh mein kewal teen logo ke pass kala dhan hain? (do only three persons in the country have blackmoney?) Everyday a new issue of BJP falsehood and fraud comes before people…BJP has become synonymous with ‘Bhrasht Jhooti Party’ D Raja (CPI): Government has to answer a lot of questions as there is a reluctance on its part to give out all the names. This shows that the government lacks the political will and determination to fulfil its election promises. What happened to those (politicians’) names? Why are the names of politicians not being revealed as claimed by the BJP? Ajay Maken (Congress): The BJP had loudly proclaimed that the account of every individual would be credited with Rs.15 lakh and the nation eagerly waits for Narendra Modi to fulfil his promise. It is a worrying development if the BJP is trying to avoid delivering on the promise. It was a major pillar of the party’s campaign. Salman Khurshid (Congress): The government can disclose all the names on the list to the court as per law. Selective disclosure of names musn’t be done. The government needs to make it clear to the public what its responsibility is. Gaurav Bhatia (SP): Three account holders’ names revealed are small fish. Why not place entire list in the Supreme Court’s scrutiny? SC can monitor the entire case then. This is too little too late. If three names can be revealed, why can’t the rest? There may be a fear factor in BJP, that’s why selective names are being given out. Baba Ramdev: Today, three names have been disclosed, there are still more than 800 names who have looted the country. However, this is a right and a very important step in bringing back black money. Till the time we get back the entire black money stashed abroad, efforts must go on. Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress): Congress’ stand is clear and remains unchanged. It is not an occasion for press sensationalisation and political titillation. They are the government. They control ministries and departments. They should act….not play games. If there is a (Congress) name, the individual concerned will answer it and it is not proper to take names from the podium of party office. Ram Jethmalani: I am disappointed with government’s approach to black money. SIT should investigate black money, not the government. It is a case of mountain in labour producing a mouse. I have great hopes that the Supreme Court will rise to the occasion and do the needful. Digvijaya Singh (Congress): I am very disappointed by the statement of Arun Jaitley who gave this mysterious remark (of Congress members being involved in black money). If he has the guts, he should reveal those names. If they (government) have the courage, they should disclose all names. Those whose names are revealed will answer to the charges. (With inputs from PTI and IANS)