The BJP-led Union government is using the pretext of introducing amendment Bills to enact measures that infringe upon citizens’ privacy and increase their economic burden, while shirking accountability, alleged G. Kumar Naik, Congress MP from Raichur, on Sunday (August 9).

Addressing a press conference in Raichur, Mr. Naik said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were avoiding responding to questions raised by Opposition members in the Parliament and were instead trying to conceal issues concerning the government.

“The government was unwilling to discuss the issues faced by students and youth, including the recent protests. The agitation by young people did not begin suddenly. The protests continued for several days before the government’s failure to respond led to the proposed march towards the Parliament,” he said.

Describing the police action against peacefully agitating students in Delhi as “inhuman”, Mr. Naik questioned the Union Home Minister’s failure to provide an answer in the Parliament. He also criticised the passage of seven Bills amid disruptions, describing it as detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

He alleged that the government had been forced to pass tax-related and other legislative measures, including amendments concerning banking records and assets, amid pressure and without adequate discussion.

MP questions tax on digital transactions

Mr. Naik also questioned the Centre’s proposed move to impose charges on UPI and other financial transaction applications, despite the government having promoted digitalisation of financial transactions.

Referring to the introduction of MasterCard and Visa cards, he questioned why the Prime Minister was not opposing what he described as pressure from neighbouring countries on such matters. He cited Brazil’s opposition to its Pix transaction system and questioned why similar measures concerning UPI transactions were not being opposed in India.

He also raised concerns over provisions relating to bank records, alleging that amendments would dilute safeguards concerning the scrutiny of bank accounts and thereby affect citizens’ right to privacy.

“The government has failed to control the economic burden on the people. It is also unwilling to hold discussions on the problems being faced by the youth and the public,” Mr. Naik alleged.

Legislative Council member N.S. Boseraju, party leaders K. Shantappa, Jayavantrao Patange, G. Shivamurthy, N. Srinivasa Reddy, Amaregouda Hanchinal, Rajshekhar Naik, Anjinayya Kurubadoddi, Narasimhalu Madagiri, Youth Congress president Mariswamy Gattu and Sudhindra Jahagirdar were present.

Published - August 09, 2026 06:03 pm IST