Congress demands answers from PM Modi, HM Shah on 'Electoral Bond Scam'

Electoral Bond Controversy: In a press conference held at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Jairam Ramesh, the general secretary overseeing the Congress communication department, raised serious concerns regarding the electoral bond scam. He demanded accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging the BJP's involvement in corrupt practices through the electoral bond scheme.

Allegations Against BJP

Ramesh outlined four purported methods through which the BJP allegedly benefitted from the electoral bond scheme, amassing over Rs 6,000 crore compared to Congress's Rs 1,400 crore. These methods included dubious corporate donations, coercion tactics, contract-based kickbacks, and the use of shell companies for undisclosed contributions. He emphasised the need for PM Modi and HM Shah to address these allegations.

Financial Clampdown on Congress

Expressing concern over financial constraints faced by the Congress, Ramesh criticised the freezing of bank accounts, labelling it as 'tax terrorism'. He accused the government of attempting to financially weaken the opposition party, juxtaposed against the BJP's substantial electoral funding.

Taking to social media platform X, Ramesh wrote: "We had previously identified four primary channels of corruption in the #ElectoralBondScam scam, and with each passing day, more examples emerge to confirm the shocking reality of the corruption which has engulfed this country through Narendra Modi’s encouragement. An update on the latest revelations on the "Farzi Companies" who have been donating chanda -  

1. Chanda Do, Dhandha Lo
2. Hafta Vasuli
3. Theka Lo, Rishvat Do
4. Farzi Company

a. Since 2018, at least 43 companies that were newly incorporated, in 2018 or later, bought electoral bonds within months of their incorporation. Their ‘donations’ amounted to a total of 384.5 crores. Most of these are likely shell corporations, set up with the sole purpose of making electoral bond donations, or other such underhand dealings. 

b. 19 companies that were marked ‘high risk’ by the Ministry of Finance for violating rules under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in 2018, have collectively purchased electoral bonds for a whopping Rs 2,717 crore. As many as 18 of these 19 companies that had bought electoral bonds did not appear in the  subsequent annual lists of ‘high risk’ companies. Were they removed from the list because of their contribution to the ruling party's coffers?

c. In April 2019, during the Lok Sabha Elections, a Delhi-based company called “Hub Power” donated 95 lakhs through Electoral Bonds. The Delhi government’s GST department has acknowledged that Hub Power was a “fake company” that was ostensibly set up “to commit fraud.” 

The Prime Minister promised to deposit 15 lakhs in each Indian’s account by recovering black money from overseas. It appears the Prime Minister has conspired to route all the black money into the BJP’s accounts instead."

We had previously identified four primary channels of corruption in the #ElectoralBondScam scam, and with each passing day, more examples emerge to confirm the shocking reality of the corruption which has engulfed this country through Narendra Modi’s encouragement. An update on… https://t.co/ZWikU9MtQe

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 17, 2024

Conclusion of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra

Ramesh highlighted the culmination of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, spanning 106 districts and covering over 6,000 km. The padyatra aimed to promote justice and inclusivity, culminating in a symbolic reading of the Constitution's Preamble by Rahul Gandhi at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar's memorial.

Call for Election Commission's Impartiality

Questioning the Election Commission's impartiality, Ramesh urged action against hate speech and misinformation, stressing the need for consistent enforcement across political parties. He reiterated the demand for 100% counting of VVPAT slips to uphold voter confidence and criticised the Commission's alleged reluctance to engage with opposition concerns.

Congress's Justice Agenda

Ramesh outlined Congress's electoral agenda centred around 'participatory justice', 'farmer justice', 'women justice', 'worker justice', and 'youth justice'. He announced that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had pledged guarantees aligning with these principles, with further details to be discussed in the upcoming Congress Working Committee meeting.

Jairam Ramesh's statements underscored the urgency of addressing electoral transparency and financial integrity issues, calling for accountability from key political leaders. As the electoral process unfolds, the Congress asserts its commitment to justice and inclusivity through a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing societal concerns.