Mohandas Pai Criticizes Modi Government on Income Tax for Middle Class

The recent Union Budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23 has sparked a wave of discontent among the middle class, particularly regarding the country's taxation system. Prominent business figure Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, has voiced his concerns on social media, highlighting a significant increase in tax collections that exceed budget expectations. His remarks reflect a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction within this demographic, which has been increasingly vocal about their financial struggles. In a pointed critique, Pai labeled the Finance Minister as "petty," suggesting that the budget represented a missed opportunity to provide much-needed relief to the middle class. He emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of this crucial voter base, which has traditionally supported the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His comments underscore a broader frustration among citizens who feel overlooked in the government's fiscal policies. Despite his history of supporting the government, Pai's recent statements indicate a shift in his perspective, as he also raised concerns about the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and its handling of benefits for departing employees. This criticism suggests a growing impatience with the government's performance after a decade in power, as he calls for accountability and responsiveness to public grievances. As the discourse around taxation and middle-class dissatisfaction continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these mounting pressures and whether it will take steps to address the concerns raised by influential voices like Pai.