Congress Slams BJP Over Electoral Bond

The Congress alleged the scheme resulted in money laundering and destroyed transparency in the funding of political parties

NEW DELHI| On November 20 Congress express their concern over electoral bond calling it a “Political Extortion” and demanded an immediate statement from the government in both houses of the Parliament on the bond issue.

Congress leader of Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad addresses a press conference with his deputy Anand Sharma and the Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “What we are talking about today leads to the Prime Minister’s Office”.

Referring to reports that claimed that the Finance Ministry has opened additional payment windows on the PMO’s directions, he said the bond scheme allowed the donor, who bought them, to hide his identity. He described the bond as a political bribery scheme. Congress alleged that the bonds were “bribery bonds” that resulted in money laundering and destroyed the transparency of funding of political parties.

Also Read: Electoral Bonds explained and the reason why the Supreme Court didn’t take favourably to it

It was “a political scandal which tarnishes the image of Indian democracy. Parliament is in session, the government should make a disclosure before both Houses of Parliament,” he said.

Mr. Chowdhury said, “No wonder the government is going after the right to information (RTI) Act.” The Congress would raise it on the floor of the House.

Asked if there would be a demand for a joint parliamentary committee, Mr. Azad said, “First let’s see what the government come up with and then we will decide.”