Taxes essential for governance says Sarathkumar

BJP National Executive Committee member and actor R. Sarathkumar on Wednesday said taxation has been the backbone of governance since ancient times and no government can function without revenue from taxes.
Sarathkumar visited the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai and offered prayers at the shrines of Sambandha Vinayagar, Arunachaleswarar and Unnamulai Amman. He later undertook the 14-km Girivalam around the Annamalai hill and interacted with devotees and temple staff. Speaking to reporters, he said Tamil Nadu’s public debt had crossed Rs 10 lakh crore and observed that borrowing was inevitable for implementing development projects. However, he noted that loans should be channelled towards industrial growth so that revenue generation would eventually help reduce the debt burden.
Emphasising the role of taxation, he said governments require steady income to function, but the hallmark of good governance lies in ensuring that tax measures do not unduly burden the common people.
On the announcement by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami regarding Rs 10,000 assistance to those below the poverty line, Sarathkumar said any measure that supports the poor amid economic hardship is welcome.
Clarifying his political plans, he said he would not contest the upcoming Assembly election and intended to give long-time associates an opportunity. He added that he would continue to work for the victory of the National Democratic Alliance.