IT order to Gujarat on investment MoUs routine affair

The BJP had yesterday paralysed the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha washing out virtually the entire business. It alleged that IT move was an "assault" on the federal character of the country. BJP supported by ally JD(U) and BJD, demanded reply from Prime Minister or Finance Minister on this issue.

In his reply amid din in the Rajya Sabha, Mukherjee said the IT move was a routine affair. "It is routinely carried out," he said.

Mukherjee said IT 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.

The minister said that the IT action was taken based on two complaints made on December 10 and December 22 of 2010 by the Leader of the Opposition of the Gujarat Assembly.

The Leader of the Opposition in Gujarat belongs to the Congress Party.