The Electoral Bond, passed in 2017, has been labeled as the largest election scam in India's history. Under the cover of donations, the Modi govt allegedly received Rs12,930 crores from corporate entities. In return, these companies purportedly gained favoritism in government projects and tenders.
Despite the recent campaign donation portal launched by the BJP, scrutiny reveals discrepancies. While ministers publicly shared donation receipts ranging from Rs1,000 to Rs2,000, these amounts fall short of explaining the massive fund inflow, raising suspicions of undisclosed donations.
New data reveals troubling ties between corporate giants under investigation and India's ruling BJP, as huge donations flow through controversial electoral bond scheme. #Electoral bonds scheme raises concerns over #transparency & accountability in political funding. #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/QT9AIObcUB
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) March 26, 2024
Investigative reports by outlets like Scroll, Newslaundry, and Newsmint have shed light on this alleged scam. The govt's reluctance to disclose corporate donations, despite a Supreme Court order, fuels suspicion.
The State Bank of India's report indicates an overwhelming bias, with the BJP receiving Rs13,000 crore compared to the Congress's meager Rs2,000 crore.
Journalist Poonam Agarwal's investigative report further exposed the Electoral Bond scandal. Agarwal's forensic analysis of purchased bonds revealed evidence of government impropriety. Subsequent raids by enforcement agencies on over 40 corporate entities implicated in bribery further corroborate these claims.
Opposition parties accuse the BJP of resorting to coercion to secure donations. Private investigations by media outlets suggest that the BJP leveraged violence to obtain contributions.
The sudden resolution of cases against pharmaceutical companies following donations raises additional concerns. Seven of the thirty-five companies donating Rs1,000 each were allegedly embroiled in scandals related to substandard medicines.
