Maha Govt refuses to make ‘The Kashmir Files’ tax-free
Following the decision by several BJP-ruled states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, to exempt the controversial film directed by Vivek Agnihotri from taxation, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday refused to exempt "The Kashmir Files," a film based on mass killings and the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. In a statement to the State Assembly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar – who also holds the state Finance portfolio – stated that the state government has no plans to follow the lead of the BJP-ruled states and exempt the film "The Kashmir Files." "If the Union government so desires, it can exempt "The Kashmir Files" from taxation." If the Centre does it, the entire country will be affected," he said. pawar's statement came a day after BJP MLAs in the State Assembly raised slogans demanding tax exemption for "The Kashmir Files." Nitesh Rane, a BJP MLA, had initially requested a tax exemption for the film. Following that, other BJP leaders sent a memorandum to the Maharashtra government. "You will remember that in the past we had granted tax exemption to films like Mission Mangal, Tanaji, Super 30 and Panipat," Pawar said, referring to the BJP's demand that "The Kashmir Files" be tax-free. When it comes to tax exemptions, there are two components: 50% CGST and 50% SGST. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken highly of "The Kashmir Files," it is only natural that he announces a tax exemption for the film." Given that Maharashtra is ruled by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) – a coalition of the Shiv Sena, the NCP, and the Congress – it is unlikely that the MVA government will ever grant tax exemption to "The Kashmir Files," which the Opposition sees as more of a propaganda film for the BJP in the run-up to Gujarat elections later this year.