The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has raised serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the use of electoral bonds, suggesting a pattern of electoral corruption as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach. At a press conference, Singh cited an NDTV report to highlight his concerns about the financial transactions between loss-making companies and the BJP.
Singh detailed that six companies donated more money to the BJP than their reported profits, with some cases showing donations many times over their earnings. Additionally, he pointed out that 33 companies, which collectively reported losses totaling Rs 1 lakh crore over seven years, contributed Rs 450 crore to the BJP. He alleged that many of these companies subsequently received tax exemptions.
“17 out of these 33 companies have either paid zero taxes or received tax exemptions,” Singh stated. “One company donated three times its profit, while another gave 93 times more than its profits to the BJP.”
Highlighting specific examples, Singh mentioned Bharti Airtel, which, despite a loss of Rs 77,000 crore from 2017 to 2023, allegedly donated Rs 200 crore to the BJP and received a tax exemption of Rs 8,200 crore. Other companies like DLF and Steel Static Engineering also reportedly made substantial donations to the BJP despite financial losses and received corresponding tax breaks.
Singh’s allegations extend to Dhaliwal Infrastructure and PRL Developers, which he claims made significant donations to the BJP and enjoyed tax exemptions while reporting substantial losses. These claims paint a picture of a reciprocal relationship between the ruling party and corporate donors, wherein financial support for the party allegedly correlates with fiscal benefits.
The AAP leader’s accusations are poised to stir significant controversy, potentially impacting the political landscape as India heads into a critical electoral season. The BJP has yet to respond to these allegations.