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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. 

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.” 

“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. 

Why did Nirmala Sitharaman get angry at John Britos?

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)