Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday called India’s communists “cowards.” She criticized Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas, saying he had spread confusion in the country about the alleged tax being imposed on UPI transactions. Nirmala Sitharaman made these remarks while responding to a discussion on ‘The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ in the Rajya Sabha.
She objected to the fact that John Brittas, after moving a motion disapproving of the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance and making his allegations, walked out of the House without hearing the reply. This ordinance was promulgated on June 5, 2026.
John Brittas alleged that the government had caved in to US pressure to impose taxes on UPI transactions, similar to the pressure imposed on Brazil. He also said that the move contradicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that India’s digital payments ecosystem is free.
Also read: There’s a lot of noise about UPI payment charges. What’s the truth? Answers to every question.
He was thrown out of the House without hearing any answer.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh had allowed the CPI(M) member to move his motion after the uproar and he walked out of the House when his speech was interrupted by the presiding officer as the time limit had expired.
Nirmala Sitharaman lashed out at the communists
Nirmala Sitharaman said, “John Brittas can stay here if he wants to hear one line. Typical communist style, attacking everyone ‘without facts’, distorting facts and at the same time demanding his right to speak, and when he has to answer point by point, he doesn’t have the courage. Cowards.”
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister:
Communists in this country are cowards. The member (John Brittas) has proven that. They cannot face facts; instead, they will continue to obstruct and create noise.
“It’s my right to answer, it’s your right to listen.”
Nirmala Sitharaman said, “Do they not have the right to be heard? When a reply is given, I also feel like saying that it is my right to respond.” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that she listens to all the members and tries to respond to all the members involved in the discussion.
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister:
The Honourable John Brittas should have stayed here to hear the answer because he is spreading confusion not only here but across the country, because that is the tactic the Communists use. Completely untrue.
Why did Nirmala Sitharaman get angry at John Britos?
John Brittas, MP, CPI(M):
The US trade representatives have insisted that you need to levy tariffs on UPI. Brazil faced similar pressure. Now the government has completely reversed its policy and cleverly incorporated a UPI component into this law.
Presenting his proposal first, John Brittas said that the ordinance was issued in the hope of attracting foreign capital into the country, and the bill was introduced later. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman objected to this. (Input: Language)