The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Congress party has raised serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of exploiting central investigative agencies to coerce donations through electoral bonds, amounting to Rs 400 crore from 45 companies subjected to raids. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, referencing recent investigative reports, highlighted an increase in the number of companies donating to the BJP post-intervention by agencies like the ED, CBI, and IT department.
Kharge’s accusations on the social media platform X also included charges against the BJP for utilizing “unconstitutional and illegal electoral bonds” to swell its coffers and alleged manipulation of Electoral Trusts, amplifying its donations tenfold. He challenged the BJP to issue a white paper detailing its financial transactions, verified through an independent inquiry, to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles.
This controversy emerges amidst broader discussions on electoral transparency, with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar affirming the Election Commission’s dedication to full disclosure, including details related to electoral bonds. The Supreme Court has been informed by the State Bank of India (SBI) of the purchase and redemption of 22,217 electoral bonds from April 1, 2019, to February 15, 2024, outlining the flow of funds to political parties.
The Congress’s push for transparency in BJP’s financial dealings, especially concerning electoral bonds, aims to spotlight the nexus between political donations and the conduct of central agencies. These allegations pose critical questions about the integrity of political financing and the influence of monetary contributions on political and governance processes in India.