Electoral Bonds: Oppn Ups The Ante Against BJP, Calls For Bank Acc Freeze, Special Investigation

Mallikarjun Kharge also questioned the disproportionate amount of donations received by the BJP compared to the Congress, despite the latter having a significant voter base.

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called for a thorough investigation into the electoral bonds scheme, which he claimed has funnelled Rs 6,060 crore to the BJP over five years. Kharge also demanded that the BJP's bank accounts be frozen until this investigation is over, news agency PTI reported.

Kharge alleged that there are numerous dubious donors involved, noting that many bond purchasers are either embroiled in cases with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the Income Tax department, or have been subject to raids by these agencies.

While the BJP has amassed significant sums through electoral bonds, Kharge highlighted that the Congress's bank accounts, which received donations, have been frozen. He pointed out the apparent contradiction with Prime Minister Modi's slogan "Na khaunga, na khane dunga" (Will not engage in corruption, will not let others engage too), emphasising that the BJP's financial gains through electoral bonds contradict this claim.

Speaking to reporters, Kharge questioned the disproportionate amount of donations received by the BJP compared to the Congress, despite the latter having a significant voter base.

“Even our voter pattern (percentage) if you see we are nearly one third and rest of the people are two-third including BJP, but in donations they got more than 50 per cent. How can they get this much money? How can the capitalist or other companies give such donations? Who are they? People who have donated, either they are involved in ED case, Income Tax, or raided by these agencies. Ultimately the Government of India, particularly (Narendra) Modi and his party pressured these people to give more donations to their party. Otherwise this much of a difference cannot be there,” PTI quoted Kharge as saying.

The Congress leader also emphasised the need for a high-level inquiry to uncover the truth behind these donations.

Kharge expressed concern over the freezing of Congress's bank accounts, hindering their ability to participate effectively in elections. He demanded a level playing field and suggested that unless the truth behind the BJP's funding is revealed, their accounts should also be frozen.

“Where is the level playing ground? I demand an inquiry at the highest level and unless the truth comes out, their (BJP) account should also be frozen. A special investigation should be done to find out whether they got money in return for any favours or through harassment or asking for donations for their cases to be closed,” PTI quoted Kharge as saying.

Kharge further alleged that individuals facing ED and IT raids have found refuge in the BJP, obtaining positions within the party. He held PM Modi accountable for the situation, accusing him of attempting to suppress Opposition parties.

BJP Received Funds From Firms Raided By ED: Saurabh Bharadwaj

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued a challenge to the BJP, urging transparency regarding the total funds acquired through electoral bonds, PTI reported.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned whether the BJP would openly acknowledge receiving funds from companies under scrutiny by the ED for money laundering activities.

Bharadwaj highlighted the significant sum of over Rs 6,000 crore received by the BJP through electoral bonds, surpassing other political parties in terms of funding. He raised concerns over the lack of disclosure regarding the exact amount received by the saffron party.

Bharadwaj also proceeded to name companies that had purchased electoral bonds subsequent to being subject to ED raids, suggesting a direct link between these funds and illicit activities. He presented a timeline detailing the ED raids on these companies and the subsequent acquisition of electoral bonds.

“The BJP received over Rs 6,000 crore in the form of electoral bonds, the biggest share than any other party. Why was the BJP not revealing how much funds they have received. These companies bought the electoral bonds after they were raided by the ED. This means the proceeds of crime have gone to the Centre via the electoral bonds,” PTI quoted Bharadwaj as saying.

The AAP leader also emphasised that the BJP should be held accountable for accepting funds from companies currently under investigation for money laundering. The party called for transparency and accountability in political funding, particularly concerning electoral bonds.