Was offered Rajya Sabha seats by two political parties: Sonu Sood

Sonu Sood. File Pic

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, who has been accused by the Central Bureau of Direct Taxes (CBDT) of evading tax of Rs 20 crore, in an exclusive interview with NDTV's Sreenivasan Jain said that post the Covid-19 pandemic he has declined offers of Rajya Sabha seats by two separate political parties.

Sood, however, refused to name the parties.

On being asked if he has considered entering into a political space, Sood said, "I have been offered political positions for the past 10 years. Post Covid-19 pandemic I have been offered Rajya Sabha seats twice by two political parties but I declined as I was not ready."

Earlier on Monday, the 48-year-old actor said that every rupee in his foundation is "awaiting its turn" to be used to reach the needy and save lives in response to CBDT's allegation of tax evasion.

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The CBDT had earlier said that the charity foundation set up by the actor was incorporated on July 21, 2020 and had collected donations to the tune of Rs 18.94 crore from April 1, 2021 till date.

Out of this, it said, the foundation has spent around Rs 1.9 crore for various relief works and the balance of Rs 17 crore has been found lying "unutilised" in its bank account.

Funds to the tune of Rs 2.1 crore have also been raised by the charity foundation from overseas donors on a crowdfunding platform "in violation" of FCRA regulations, it alleged.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi recently appointed Sood ambassador of its 'Desh ka mentors' programme under which students will be guided in making their career choices.

(With inputs from PTI)