Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a sharp attack on CPI(M) MP John Brittas during a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha over allegations that the government could introduce charges on UPI transactions.

Responding to Brittas' claims during the discussion on the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Sitharaman accused him of creating confusion over the government's position on digital payments.

She also criticised Brittas for leaving the House before hearing her response to the issues he had raised.

Sitharaman Criticises Brittas for Leaving House

Brittas had moved a resolution seeking disapproval of the Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, which was promulgated on June 5.

His speech was cut short after he exceeded the time allotted to him. He subsequently left the House before Sitharaman delivered her response.

Sitharaman questioned his decision to leave and said members who raise allegations should remain in the House to hear the government's response.

During her remarks, she accused the CPI(M) of twisting facts and described communists as “total cowards”, escalating the political exchange inside the Rajya Sabha.

Brittas Raises Allegations Over UPI Charges

Brittas alleged that pressure from US trade representatives had influenced India's policy on UPI transactions.

He claimed that US officials had pushed India to introduce charges on UPI payments and alleged that similar pressure had been placed on Brazil.

Brittas argued that such a move would conflict with India's earlier approach of keeping digital payments accessible to consumers and merchants without transaction charges.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at a G20 meeting in 2023, when India's digital payment system was described as a public good.

Government Rejects Claim That UPI Charges Are Being Imposed

Sitharaman rejected the Opposition's interpretation of the UPI-related provision in the taxation amendment legislation.

The government has maintained that the provision does not itself impose a tax or transaction fee on UPI users.

According to the government's explanation, the provision enables the government to notify electronic payment modes that will continue to receive statutory protection from charges.

The clarification came amid concerns that changes in the law could eventually lead to fees being imposed on digital transactions.

Debate Also Focuses on Rupee Depreciation

Brittas also raised concerns about the depreciation of the Indian rupee and the movement of foreign capital out of the country.

He referred to a 2013 statement attributed to Modi about the rupee being in a difficult situation and questioned the government's current economic policies.

Brittas asked about the present value of the rupee and raised concerns over foreign investment leaving India.

Read more: PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi Share Rare Candid Moment in Parliament

Political Battle Over Digital Payments

The exchange reflects a wider political dispute over the future of India's digital payment system and the interpretation of the new taxation legislation.

Opposition members have raised concerns that the UPI-related provision could eventually allow charges to be introduced, while the government maintains that the provision does not impose any transaction fee.

The disagreement is likely to remain part of the broader debate over India's taxation policies, digital payments and economic management.