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In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of the Congress Party, has accused him of benefiting from electoral bonds. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Kharge criticized Modi’s slogan of “Na khaunga, na khane dunga” (will not indulge in corruption, nor allow others), stating that it has now been exposed that the BJP made money through electoral bonds.
Kharge asserted that PM Modi, often referring to his government as “Modi ki Sarkar” (Modi’s government), should be held accountable for these financial transactions. He accused Modi of prioritizing his party’s interests over the nation’s welfare.
Supreme Court’s Revelation
Kharge’s accusations were fueled by recent revelations from the Supreme Court. The court disclosed data indicating that a significant portion of electoral bond funds went to the BJP. Kharge highlighted that while the BJP received substantial donations, the Congress Party’s accounts were frozen, allegedly under the BJP’s influence.
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Expressing concern over the lack of transparency in electoral funding, Kharge demanded a thorough investigation by the Supreme Court into the matter. He urged for parity, insisting that if Congress accounts were frozen, BJP’s accounts should face similar scrutiny.
Call for Investigation
Kharge’s call for investigation comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s dissatisfaction with the State Bank of India’s failure to provide unique identification numbers for electoral bonds. The court has issued a notice to SBI, seeking clarification on this issue.
PM Modi says “ना खाऊँगा ना खाने दूँगा”, but it seems that he only meant —“सिर्फ़ भाजपा को खिलाऊँगा”
The data released by State Bank of India, shows that out of the total Electoral Bonds money collected, BJP got nearly 50% donation. While the principal opposition party, Indian…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 15, 2024
Notably, several prominent political parties, including BJP, Congress, and regional parties, have benefitted from the electoral bond scheme. However, questions arise regarding the transparency and legality of these financial transactions.
Electoral Bonds data
The Election Commission recently released data on electoral bonds, shedding light on the major donors to political parties. Companies such as Future Gaming and Hotel Services, Megha Engineering, and others were among the top contributors.
The data revealed a diverse range of donors, including corporate entities and individuals from various sectors. Notable names like Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, ITC Limited, and Bharti Airtel Limited appeared in the list of donors.
Concerns Over Transparency
The controversy surrounding electoral bonds underscores concerns about transparency and accountability in political funding. While the bonds were introduced with the aim of bringing transparency to political donations, questions persist about their effectiveness in achieving this goal.
A sordid saga of decimating Democracy, by looting money through coercion!
We demand an independent enquiry at the highest levels and the freezing of BJP’s bank accounts until the truth comes out! #ElectoralBondsScam pic.twitter.com/qed5TXIf6Q
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 15, 2024
With allegations of preferential treatment and undue influence in the distribution of electoral bonds, the issue has sparked widespread debate on the need for comprehensive reforms in campaign financing.
As the electoral bond controversy unfolds, the spotlight remains on the integrity of the political funding system in India. Mallikarjun Kharge’s accusations against PM Modi underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability in electoral finance. With the Supreme Court’s intervention and growing public scrutiny, the future of electoral bonds hangs in the balance, prompting calls for reform to ensure a fair and equitable democratic process.
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