Chennai: Issues relating to Nokia erupted during the UPA regime at the Centre and the company disputes escalated when the DMK was in power, said industries minister P. Thangamani.
He was responding to the DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s statement about the Nokia debacle. The minister said it was the Congress-led Central government that had slapped the huge tax evasion case against Nokia. The UPA’s state ally DMK was silent then but is now raking up the issue for political gains.
The issue had been raised in the assembly by CPI(M) MLA A. Soundarajan several times and suitable replies were given. DMK president had refrained from discussions in the assembly and now the DMK is looking to gain political mileage out of the Nokia issue.
Microsoft, which took over Nokia, had also entered into an agreement and consulted the then Central government on the issue. According to the agreement the tax issues pertaining to the Centre and state had to be settled on or before October 30, but as the issue is yet to be settled, Nokia is already in trouble.
“Where does AIADMK government come into the picture?” the minister asked. Based on a communication from the Central excise department Nokia owes several crores in sales tax evasion, the state government served a notice to collect its due which is minimal and the present government has nothing to do with the Nokia’s turmoil.
By and large it is an issue related to the Central government and the income tax department, the minister added.
