“Electoral bond was institutionalised corruption,” says Congress’ Manish Tewari

Congress leader Manish Tewari criticized Prime Minister Modi’s defense of the Electoral Bonds scheme, calling it “the most institutionalised corruption” in a democracy. Tewari thanked the Supreme Court for striking down the scheme, stating, “When the electoral bonds were introduced in 2017, we completely opposed it because there was no transparency in it.

The Supreme Court’s decision confirms that the electoral bond scheme was opaque. In this case, both the person taking the money and the person giving it were not known. It has been proven by the decision of the Supreme Court that on one side go ED and CBI and on the other side come electoral bonds.” He added, “Electoral bond was the most institutionalised corruption that can be carried out in a democracy. I am thankful that the Supreme Court struck it down.”

Tewari also praised Rahul Gandhi, describing him as a serious leader targeted by the BJP out of fear. He mentioned Gandhi’s 3000 km foot journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 1983, emphasizing his commitment to understanding the country’s issues. He said, “Someone has tried to understand the pain and suffering of this country by walking 3000 km. After Chandrashekhar, in 1983, Rahul Gandhi traveled on foot from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. If they target Rahul, it means they are afraid of him.”

Regarding the upcoming elections, Tewari confidently stated that the BJP would not win any seats in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

In response, Prime Minister Modi defended the electoral bonds, stating, “I had never said that a decision taken cannot have a shortcoming.” He accused the opposition of spreading lies and claimed that when there is an honest reflection, everyone will regret the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the scheme. He also mentioned that of the 16 companies who gave donations when action was taken by probe agencies, only 37 per cent of the amount went to the BJP and 63 per cent to opposition parties opposed to the BJP.