‘Paytm Founder Bhakt Of PM Modi’: Congress Rakes Up Inaction By ED After RBI’s Restrictions On Payments Bank
Paytm Payments Bank Row: The Congress party on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi in context with the controversy surrounding Paytm, while also raising questions on the Enforcement Directorate’s alleged inaction against the company despite the Reserve Bank of India’s suspicion of money-laundering being committed by the fintech firm.
The RBI has issued a directive ordering Paytm Payments Bank to cease all its operation, except withdawal of balances by customers, post February 29, 2024. Targetting the PM Modi-led central government over the controversy, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate asked why Paytm Payments Bank got a “long rope since 2017”.
She further claimed, “PM Modi backs Paytm in his election rallies,” adding, “Why do the agencies stay mum when allegations are levelled against PM Modi’s associates? Why is ED silent?” The remarks from the Congress leader come as Paytm continues to deny that neither its parent company, One97 Communications, nor its founder, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, is facing money-laundering probe by the ED.
In a filing with the BSE and the NSE, One97 Communications Ltd (OCL)’s on Sunday responded to what it termed were recent speculative media reports. “We would like to set the record straight and deny any involvement in anti-money laundering activities.
We have and continue to abide by Indian laws and take regulatory orders with utmost seriousness. There are other stories in various media, including social media, which are spreading speculation and misinformation on the reasons for RBI action on Paytm Payments Bank. The recent direction from RBI is a part of the ongoing supervisory engagement and compliance process,” the company said in a recent regulatory filing.
