Maharaj Calls Prasad’s Remarks “Unnecessary and Disrespectful

Opposition Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj has responded to comments made by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, describing them as “unnecessary and disrespectful” following accusations that Maharaj was lying in Parliament.

“As per the Constitution, my job is to scrutinize the government,” Maharaj said. “That’s exactly what I’m doing.”

He argued there is a clear distinction between genuine scrutiny of government policy and what he called unconstructive criticism.

“If one criticises just for the sake of it, it becomes a habit—and that’s what some senior politicians in government used to do when they were in opposition. They criticised the previous government then, continued during the elections, and now in power, still focus on the past.”

Maharaj also expressed concern over what he described as the government’s reluctance to accept opposing views. “The current government just wants to hear words that jingle in their ears,” he said.

Addressing the ongoing public discussion around the zero-VAT policy, Maharaj acknowledged that some essential items have been exempted from VAT but maintained that the overall tax burden remains high.

“While Hon Prasad tried explaining scenario one and scenario two—where either all or half the items in a shopping basket are zero-rated—he also needs to acknowledge a third scenario: if none of the items are zero-rated, people would end up paying \$75 on a \$500 purchase,” he said.

“You have so many goods and activities, and the VAT is hurting the middle class and businesses—whether Prasad and his team admit it or not. On the ground, people are hurt and crying. Spending is down, jobs are down, and some small businesses are closing. All I am saying is—listen to us, the people, and reduce VAT to a sustainable level.”

Maharaj also responded to Prasad’s comments suggesting he was aligned with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

“We are two different individuals, so I don’t understand why the Honorable Minister has decided to link us together. I’m scrutinising government policies in my capacity as an opposition member, and I cannot comment on Aiyaz’s statements.”

He urged the Finance Minister to focus on his parliamentary responsibilities.

“Hon Prasad needs to leave aside his personal obsession with Aiyaz and start dealing with things professionally. He should focus on the responsibilities for which people have voted him into Parliament,” Maharaj said.