Gulte News
The Income Tax Department has issued a show-cause notice to Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and current TDP chief.
The notice, sent by the Central Circle in Hyderabad on August 4, questions Naidu about an alleged kickback of ₹118 crore from certain infrastructure companies. The department seeks clarification on whether this amount should be treated as “undisclosed income” and processed according to the law.
The notice was issued after Naidu’s preliminary objections were dismissed, arguing that tax proceedings should be initiated by the jurisdictional assessing officer before the Central Circle.
The investigation stems from searches at the premises of Manoj Vasudev Pardasany (referred to as MVP), who was involved in the tendering process in Andhra Pradesh on behalf of Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt Ltd (SPCL).
Incriminating evidence suggests siphoning off funds through sham sub-contractor companies, with cash allegedly reaching Naidu. Statements, chats, and materials recovered during searches support this claim.
The notice mentions MVP’s contact with Naidu’s personal secretary in 2016, seeking funds for the party. Funds were allegedly diverted from projects without actual work, benefiting Naidu through various entities.
As speculations arise about a possible alliance between TDP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Naidu’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in June has fueled these rumors. The Income Tax Department’s notice adds a new layer to the evolving political landscape.
Naidu, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and the finance ministry have yet to respond to inquiries on this matter.
