New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, concluding his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, reassured the public of the poll body's commitment to transparency regarding electoral bonds. He affirmed that details of electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, would be shared "in time," emphasizing the commission's belief in complete transparency.
Kumar also told the reporters that the poll body was ready to hold assembly as well as Lok Sabha elections in the Union territory, reported news agency PTI.
Kumar's announcement followed the submission of data by the State Bank of India (SBI), totaling electoral bonds worth Rs 16,518 crore issued in 30 tranches since the scheme's inception in 2018. The Supreme Court had directed the SBI to provide details of bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, to the EC.
"The SBI was supposed to submit the data by March 12. They have given us the details in time. I will go back and look at the data (and) would definitely disclose it in time," Kumar said, as per the PTI report.
He said the commission believed only "in disclosure, disclosure and disclosure" to ensure high standards of transparency.
Following the Supreme Court's order, the SBI submitted details of entities purchasing electoral bonds and political parties redeeming them. The SBI is the authorised financial institution to issue electoral bonds.
As per the court's directive, the EC is mandated to publish these details on its official website by March 15.
The apex court had declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional on February 15, ordering the disclosure of donors, donation amounts, and recipients. Despite SBI's plea for a June 30 deadline for disclosure, the court rejected it and mandated submission to the EC by March 9.
Today, the SBI submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, revealing that 22,217 electoral bonds were purchased between April 1, 2019, and February 15, 2024, with 22,030 redeemed by political parties. The affidavit detailed the purchase dates, purchaser names, and bond denominations.
The affidavit said between April 1, 2019 and April 11, 2019, a total of 3,346 electoral bonds were purchased and 1,609 redeemed. It further said from April 12, 2019 to February 15 this year, a total of 18,871 electoral bonds were purchased and 20,421 were redeemed, the PTI report added.
Kumar, during his visit to review election preparations, assured readiness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the 2024 polls.
He urged voter participation and announced measures to combat fake news through a social media cell and ensure security for candidates. "We will ensure free and fair elections across the country. We request voters across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, to enthusiastically take part in the festival of democracy," he said, reported PTI.
Additionally, provisions like voting-at-home for individuals above 85 and those with disabilities will be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.