Modi Electoral Bonds Overview
Since they were first launched in 2017, electoral bonds have let regular people and businesses give money to any political party without being identified. Under the terms of the deal, donors could buy fixed-amount election bonds from SBI and then give them to any political party that could cash them in. April 21, 2024
Political Parties’ Contribution to Election Funding
Election money is essential for political parties to support their campaigns, programs, and general operations.
Rahul Gandhi’s BJP Criticism
Corruption-Related Allegations
The Indian National Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, has charged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using electoral bonds as a cover for corrupt activities. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for the electoral bond program and claimed that he was attempting to cover up the largest corruption scandal.
“I don’t know if you saw his interview with ANI yesterday,” Rahul Gandhi stated while addressing the crowd during a roadshow in Kozhikode. I’m not sure if you noticed, but he was attempting to defend the world’s largest corruption scandal, which has allowed the BJP to extract thousands of crores of rupees from Indian companies through extortion.”
In an interview with ANI, PM Modi asserted that the electoral bonds program aims to curb black money in elections. He accused the opposition of making baseless accusations. “Everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection,” stated Prime Minister Modi.
Absence of Openness
Gandhi has expressed worries about the potential for abuse and corruption as well as the lack of transparency in the electoral bond transaction procedure.
Casting Doubt on the Validity of Election Bonds
Gandhi has publicly questioned electoral bonds’ legitimacy and fairness, citing their detrimental effects on democracy and moral governance.
Official Reaction
Protection of Election Bonds
BJP backs electoral bonds for promoting transparency and accountability in political expenditure. Rahul Gandhi ought to be the last person to discuss corruption, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, aiming at the Congress leader.
“Rahul Gandhi is not the right person to talk about money and support sources that aren’t clear. We are familiar with Bofors and the several scams for which his family is renowned,” Mr. Chandrasekhar said to ANI.
The Supreme Court declared the electoral bond program unlawful in February of this year.
Reaction from Rahul Gandhi
Officials from the government have dismissed complaints of electoral bonds as baseless assaults driven by politics. Rahul Gandhi went on to say that the prime minister wants to divert attention away from pressing problems.
Occasionally, he performs underwater rituals and announces India hosting the Olympics to the public.”He will also say, “We’re going to send one man to the moon.” Modi never discusses rising prices or unemployment. He shields the wealthiest citizens in the nation and erases their bank debts,” he declared.
Additionally, he claimed that the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are eager to amend the Constitution.
“The BJP and the RSS are attempting to amend and destroy the Indian Constitution.. He stated, “The Congress party and the INDIA coalition are trying to protect the Constitution.
Rahul Gandhi vows to end Agnipath program if INDIA alliance wins Lok Sabha elections, citing disrespect to Indian Army.
“The Agnipath project is an insult to the Indian Army and the brave young people who want to protect the country. This plan originated in Narendra Modi’s office and is imposingly enforced on the Indian Army, rather than being chosen by the Army. Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, “We will scrap this program as soon as the Indian government is formed and go back to the old permanent recruitment process.”
An initiative called Agnipath Yojana aims to enlist young Indians in the military. They call it Agnipath, and they will name the selected teens Agniveers.
The Agnipath program recruits individuals aged 17 and a half to 21 for four years, with the possibility of retaining 25% for an additional fifteen years.