Subramanian Swamy Calls for Modi’s Resignation Over Electoral Bonds Scandal
Supreme Court Strikes Down Electoral Bonds; BJP Receives Billions Amidst Transparency Concerns.
In a pivotal judgment, the Supreme Court of India has invalidated the controversial Electoral Bonds scheme, reigniting debates over political funding transparency. The ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has come under scrutiny for receiving substantial contributions amounting to billions through this opaque mechanism.
Reacting to the verdict, Congress Minister Pawan Khera addressed the media, questioning the BJP’s utilization of the staggering Rs 5200 crore obtained via Electoral Bonds. He emphasized the necessity for transparency in disclosing the beneficiaries of these bonds, urging the State Bank of India (SBI) to make all relevant information public.
Subramanian Swamy, a vocal political figure, went a step further, urging Prime Minister Modi’s resignation, attributing the scandal surrounding Electoral Bonds to his administration. Swamy’s call underscores the mounting pressure on the ruling party amidst allegations of corruption.
Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, labeled Electoral Bonds as the “biggest scam” orchestrated by the BJP government, commending the Supreme Court for its decisive action in holding the ruling party accountable.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hailed the court’s verdict as a courageous step towards upholding democratic principles, underscoring the significance of transparency in political financing.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat welcomed the ruling, highlighting the advantage previously enjoyed by the ruling party due to the lack of transparency in political funding.
Data from the Election Commission and the Association For Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that the BJP garnered significant sums through Electoral Bonds during the fiscal years 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2022-23. The party received a whopping ₹1,450 crore, ₹3,355 crore, and nearly ₹1,300 crore respectively, raising concerns about the potential influence of undisclosed donors on the electoral process.
The Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate Electoral Bonds underscores the imperative of transparency and accountability in political financing. As the nation grapples with the ramifications of this verdict, stakeholders are hopeful for a more equitable and transparent electoral landscape that upholds the principles of democracy.
