Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement regarding electoral bonds has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse him of orchestrating an extortion scheme under the guise of electoral financing.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi denounced Modi’s remarks, labeling the electoral bond system as the “biggest extortion scheme of the world” and implicating the Prime Minister as its mastermind. Gandhi raised concerns about the timing of bond donations coinciding with government contracts or the withdrawal of CBI inquiries, demanding transparency and accountability in the process.
In response, PM Modi defended the electoral bond system, highlighting that out of 3,000 contributing companies, only 26 faced scrutiny from investigative bodies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He emphasized that a significant portion of bond contributions went to opposition parties, challenging allegations of bias towards the BJP.
However, Delhi minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai condemned the electoral bond system as “perhaps the biggest scam ever,” accusing the Modi administration of accepting funds from dubious sources, including companies running losses. Rai demanded clarity from the Prime Minister regarding the legitimacy of these contributions.
Similarly, West Bengal minister and TMC leader Shashi Panja criticized Modi’s praise for the ED, suggesting that the agency is biased in its investigations, particularly targeting opposition parties. Panja accused the government of using investigative agencies to silence dissent and undermine political opponents.
The electoral bond issue continues to be a point of contention, with opposition leaders calling for greater transparency and accountability in political financing. As the debate intensifies, the demand for reforms in the electoral funding system gains momentum, highlighting the broader challenges facing democratic processes and governance in India.
