Rahul Gandhi claims Modi's interview on electoral bonds was 'scripted'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interview on the electoral bonds scheme was "scripted." Labeling PM Modi "the champion of corruption," the Wayanad MP alleged that PM Modi's recent interview with the ANI was "scripted and a flop show." "The prime minister said that the system of electoral bonds was brought about for transparency and clean politics. If this is true, then why was that system cancelled by the Supreme Court?" Gandhi added.
Why does this story matter?
The electoral bond scheme was introduced by the Modi-led government in 2017. However, on February 15, the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bond scheme, which allows for anonymous political donations, calling it unconstitutional. It emphasized that the scheme breaches the right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Even before its scrabbing, the opposition had alleged that the scheme opened the floodgates to widespread political corruption.
Gandhi questions transparency of Electoral Bonds Scheme
During a press briefing with Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, Gandhi also challenged PM Modi's claim that "the system of electoral bonds was brought for transparency, to clean politics." "If you wanted to bring transparency, why did you hide the names of those who gave money to the Bharatiya Janata Party. And why did you hide the dates on which they gave you the money?" Gandhi asked.
Gandhi brands Electoral Bonds scheme as extortion
In his critique, Gandhi went on to label the electoral bonds scheme as "the biggest extortion scheme in the world." He maintained that no justification from PM Modi would change public perception. He stated, "Because the entire country knows that the Prime Minister is the champion of corruption." The Congress MP also claimed that the BJP will not be able to cross the 150-seat mark in the upcoming election.
What did PM Modi say on electoral bonds scheme
In his first detailed reaction to the electoral bonds scheme, PM Modi said the scheme should be viewed as a success because it made it possible to track people who contributed to political parties. He also stated that the scheme had plenty of room for improvement. Previously, cash donations were allowed up to Rs 20,000, but his government cut them to Rs 2500 to prevent "this cash business" from continuing, PM Modi added.
Everyone will regret it: PM on scrabbing of electoral bonds
He also pointed out that out of the total donations made by the 16 companies that bought electoral bonds, only 37% of the amount went to the BJP and 63% to opposition parties. "But today we have completely pushed the country towards black money, hence I say, everyone will regret it. When they will think honestly, everyone will regret it," he added.
