But, within a year of his becoming the President after winning the election, taxes were steeply increased by his government. With the increase in indirect taxes that impacted the poor being particularly high, inflation was spiked, leading to an abnormal increase in the prices of essential commodities. Survival became a challenge for people in the lower strata of the population.
Suicides triggered by extreme poverty and starvation deaths were on the increase. Protests against increase in taxes and prices erupted in many places all over the country and soon became a daily occurrence.
But Nitya Satya did not seem to be bothered by the protests.
Nitya Satya had summoned the Finance Secretary to discuss the annual budget with him.
When the Finance Secretary mentioned about the problem of deficit, Nitya Satya insisted on increasing some taxes still further.
"Sir! People are already protesting against increase in taxes and prices. If we increase the taxes, the protests will intensify" said the Finance Secretary.
"I will manage the protests. What do we have the police and the army for? Why have we given them lathis and guns?" said Nitya Satya, with a chuckle.
"Moreover, members of parliament are unable to face the people's anger, when they visit their constituencies. They will not support any proposal for increasing the taxes. We won't be able to get the budget passed in parliament."
"If the budget is not passed in parliament, I will approve it, using my special powers. Prepare the budget as per my ideas" said Nitya Satya, in a strict tone.
The Finance Secretary nodded his head and left.
The President was having a discussion with the Home Secretary.
"How is the law and order situation in the country?" asked the President.
"Protests against higher taxes have been increasing day by day" said the Home Secretary.
"Leave it. I will ask the army chief to take care of the protests. Let us talk about other issues" said Nitya Satya, in an acerbic tone.
"Of late, incidents of dacoity are on the increase. Buses and cars are waylaid by dacoits holding weapons and valuables are looted from the passengers. Even pedestrians are robbed. Since these incidents take place at different places, the police are unable to prevent them. When the police are on the lookout for the culprits of a robbery at one place, similar incidents take place at other places. The entire police force is on its toes and the hunt for the dacoits is on."
"Since how long have these robberies been occurring?"
"For the past three or four months."
"When the government increases the taxes, people protest. Why are they not protesting against the robberies?" asked Nitya Satya.
"I don't know" said the Home Secretary. 'Perhaps, they think that dacoits' looting them at gun point is not as cruel as the government squeezing the people by imposing exorbitant taxes on them!' he told himself.
kOlodu ninRAn iravu.
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