3 weeks ago
Sitharaman calls communists 'total cowards' in UPI fees row
India's leaders hold meetings called Parliament where they talk about laws and rules for the country.
Recently, two leaders got into a big argument during one such meeting.
A leader named John Brittas said the government wants to start charging money for UPI, an app people use to send money on their phones.
He claimed that America's trade representatives are telling India to charge this fee, just like they did to Brazil.
He reminded everyone that India's leader, Narendra Modi, once promised that UPI would stay a free public good.
The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, strongly disagreed with him.
She said Mr. Brittas was spreading things that are not true and confusing people across the country.
Mr. Brittas left the meeting before she could give her reply, so she called him and other communists cowards.
Both leaders say they want what is best for India, but they disagree about whether UPI fees are coming and who is telling the truth.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called communists in India 'total cowards' while lashing out at CPI (M) member John Brittas in the Rajya Sabha.
The clash came during discussion on The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, linked to the Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, promulgated on June 5, 2026.
Brittas alleged the government decided to charge fees on UPI payments due to pressure from US trade representatives, similar to pressure exerted on Brazil.
Brittas cited PM Narendra Modi's February 2023 statement that India's digital payment ecosystem was developed as a free public good and said the bill violates that principle.
Brittas walked out after Deputy Chairman Harivansh cut short his speech for exceeding the time limit, after which Sitharaman accused him of not having the courage to hear her reply.
- Who
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and CPI (M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas
- What
- Sitharaman called communists 'total cowards' during a Rajya Sabha debate over Brittas' allegations of US-pressured UPI fees
- Where
- Rajya Sabha, New Delhi, India
- When
- Monday, August 10, 2026
- Why
- Brittas accused the government of charging UPI fees against PM Modi's 'free public good' assurance; Sitharaman dismissed the claims as untruth and accused him of walking out before hearing her reply
Government / Sitharaman's Position
Opposition / Brittas' Position
UPI payment fees
Government / Sitharaman's Position
Sitharaman accused Brittas of spreading 'total untruth' and confusion all over the country, implying the government's position on UPI is factual.
Opposition / Brittas' Position
Brittas claimed US trade representatives insist India charge UPI fees, the same pressure exerted on Brazil, contradicting PM Modi's promise of UPI as a free public good.
Walkout from the House
Government / Sitharaman's Position
Sitharaman said communists cannot face facts and are 'total cowards' who filibuster and make noise, and that Brittas lacked the courage to hear her point-by-point reply.
Opposition / Brittas' Position
Brittas walked out because the Chair cut his speech short for exceeding the time limit, after he had insisted on his right to speak.
Right to speak and reply
Government / Sitharaman's Position
Sitharaman said she listens to all members and tries to reply to them, asking 'They don't have a right to listen?' and asserting her right to stand up and reply.
Opposition / Brittas' Position
Brittas moved a resolution to disapprove of the Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, saying the finance minister facilitated the ordinance hoping foreign capital would come to the country.
Key facts
- Finance Minister
- Nirmala Sitharaman
- Opposition member
- John Brittas (CPI (M))
- Parliamentary body
- Rajya Sabha
- Legislation discussed
- The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Related ordinance
- Income-Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026
- Ordinance promulgation date
- June 5, 2026
- Core dispute
- Alleged fees on UPI payments and alleged US pressure
- Presiding chair
- Deputy Chairman Harivansh
Quotes
Nirmala Sitharaman
Indian Finance Minister
“Communists in this country are total cowards; the member (John Brittas) has proven that.”
theprint.in
“John Brittas can please stay here, if he wants to hear one line.”
theprint.in
Sources
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