– Pervez Bari
Bhopal, April 30: A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by Common Cause and the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), urging for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Electoral Bonds Scam.
Anjali Bhardwaj, a member of Common Cause, and her advocate, renowned Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, disclosed this during a joint press conference held here.
The petitioners asserted that the Electoral Bond system represents the largest scam in the nation’s history and necessitates a comprehensive investigation by an impartial body. They alleged that companies donating money to political parties via electoral bonds either secured significant projects or had investigations against them sidelined.
According to data, corporate groups, companies, and individuals purchased electoral bonds worth Rs.12,155.1 crore, while political parties encashed bonds totaling Rs.12,769.08 crore since April 12, 2019, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the primary beneficiary.
Expressing concerns over potential misuse of investigative agencies, the petitioners pointed to possible corruption and illegalities, calling for scrutiny by a court-monitored SIT.
Furthermore, revelations from electoral bond disclosures post a landmark Supreme Court verdict in February 2024 indicate alarming trends suggesting quid pro quo arrangements. The data suggests that companies receiving major projects made substantial donations to ruling parties around the time of project allocation. Additionally, there are indications of regulatory inaction regarding companies donating via electoral bonds, potentially involving money laundering and contributions from loss-making and shell companies to political parties.
The Supreme Court’s ruling deemed the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional and halted further bond sales, emphasizing that anonymous bonds violate voters’ right to information. Amendments allowing donor anonymity and exemptions from reporting requirements were struck down, with authorities warning of increased money laundering and black money inflow.
Despite these concerns, the government proceeded with the scheme, prompting the Supreme Court to direct the disclosure of bond details, facilitating the tracking and matching of donors and recipients.
Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hinted at the BJP’s intention to reintroduce electoral bonds with modifications post-consultation if the party returns to power in the 2024 general elections, emphasizing transparency and combating black money.
As the Electoral Bonds Scam continues to unravel, the petition underscores the imperative for thorough investigation and accountability to safeguard the integrity of political funding in India.
