In a recent development, Congress leader Manish Tewari has strongly criticized the Electoral Bonds scheme, labeling it as “the most institutionalised corruption” in a democracy. Tewari’s remarks came as a response to Prime Minister Modi’s defense of the scheme, which has been struck down by the Supreme Court.
Tewari expressed gratitude towards the Supreme Court for its decision to invalidate the Electoral Bonds scheme, citing lack of transparency as a major concern. He highlighted that the anonymity of both the donor and recipient in the scheme facilitated opacity, making it susceptible to misuse.
According to Tewari, the Electoral Bond scheme allowed for clandestine flow of funds without accountability, posing a threat to the democratic process. He asserted that the scheme’s demise is a significant step towards combating corruption in electoral funding.
Furthermore, Tewari defended Rahul Gandhi, emphasizing his dedication to understanding the plight of the nation. He recalled Gandhi’s extensive journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 1983, symbolizing his commitment to grassroots engagement.
Tewari’s statements also included a bold prediction regarding the BJP’s electoral prospects, asserting that the party would fail to secure any seats in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
In response to Tewari’s allegations, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s stance on the Electoral Bonds scheme. He emphasized its intended purpose of curbing black money in elections and criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation.
PM Modi highlighted that a significant portion of donations through Electoral Bonds went to opposition parties, refuting claims of bias towards the BJP. He urged for a fair assessment of the scheme’s objectives and outcomes, suggesting that honest reflection would reveal its efficacy in combating corruption.
The clash between the Congress and the BJP over the Electoral Bonds scheme highlights the ongoing debate surrounding electoral transparency and accountability. While the Supreme Court’s decision has been hailed as a victory for transparency advocates, the broader implications for political financing in India remain subject to scrutiny and debate.
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