New Delhi, March 18: The Congress intensified its criticism against the Centre regarding the electoral bonds issue, alleging the Modi government’s involvement in “hafta vasuli” (extortion). They claimed that 21 companies under investigation by the CBI, ED, or IT have contributed through electoral bonds.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted what he termed as the “Pradhan Mantri Hafta Vasuli Yojana,” naming it as the second of four channels of corruption in the Electoral Bond Scam.
Ramesh cited instances like Aurobindo Pharma’s director’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged irregularities in the Delhi government’s liquor policy. He claimed that the company donated Rs 5 crore worth of electoral bonds five days after the arrest.
Moreover, Ramesh alleged that Navayuga Engineering Company Limited purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 30 crore after an IT department raid six months earlier. Similarly, Rungta Sons Pvt. Ltd. allegedly bought bonds worth Rs 1 crore each after an IT raid in December 2023.
The Congress leader also mentioned Hyderabad-based Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited, accusing it of purchasing electoral bonds worth Rs 40 crore after an IT raid in November 2023.
Ramesh further claimed that Reddy’s Labs, following an IT raid on an employee for alleged cash transactions, purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 84 crore in November 2023 and January 2024.
He asserted that these were just key examples, indicating a total of 21 companies facing investigations that have donated electoral bonds.
Allegations also included the government’s involvement in ‘Theka Lo, Rishvat Do’ (get business, at a bribe) and the use of ‘Farzi Company’ (shell companies).
Ramesh alleged the Finance Minister’s oversight, claiming that institutions like the IT Department, ED, and SBI, responsible for electoral bonds, ultimately report to the same person.
The Congress had previously accused the government of engaging in “quid pro quo” for receiving electoral bonds and of conspiring to route black money into BJP’s accounts.
Following a Supreme Court directive, the State Bank of India (SBI) shared data with the poll panel on electoral bonds purchases and redemptions. SBI reported that between April 1, 2019, and February 15 this year, 22,217 electoral bonds of varying denominations were purchased, out of which 22,030 were redeemed by political parties.
