Rahul Gandhi’s Scathing Attack: BJP Accused of ‘Extortion’ via Electoral Bonds
Credit : India Today News
16.04.2024 : In a recent address in Kozhikode, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the electoral bond scheme, labeling it as a major corruption scandal. Here are the key points from his speech:
- **Rahul Gandhi’s Critique:** Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi for defending what he termed as the “biggest corruption scandal on the planet” related to the electoral bond scheme. He accused the BJP of extorting thousands of crores of rupees from Indian businessmen through this scheme.
- **PM Modi’s Defense:** PM Modi, in an interview with ANI, defended the electoral bonds scheme, stating that it aimed to curb black money in elections. He dismissed the opposition’s allegations as an attempt to avoid scrutiny.
- **BJP’s Response:** Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar countered Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, pointing out historical corruption scandals associated with the Congress party, such as the Bofors scam.
- **Distracting from Real Issues:** Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of diverting attention from pressing issues like unemployment and price rise by focusing on symbolic gestures such as underwater pujas and ambitious promises like bringing the Olympics to India.
- **Constitutional Concerns:** Rahul Gandhi alleged that the RSS and BJP are working to undermine and change India’s constitution, while the Congress and its allies aim to protect it.
- **Agnipath Scheme Criticism:** Rahul Gandhi also criticized the Agnipath scheme, calling it an insult to the Indian Army and promising to abolish it if his party comes to power after the Lok Sabha polls.
The electoral bond scheme continues to be a point of contention between the ruling BJP and opposition parties, highlighting broader debates about corruption, governance, and electoral transparency in India.