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Corruption Unveiled: Congress Exposes BJP's 'Hafta Vasooli' Strategy Through Electoral Bonds Data

Kalyani Jha
15 Mar, 2024

In a dramatic turn of events, Congress leaders have launched scathing accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), unveiling what they term as the BJP's 'Hafta Vasooli' strategy through the recently revealed electoral bonds data. The data, released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as per the Supreme Court's orders, has become a battleground for political accusations and revelations.

Jairam Ramesh, a prominent figure in the Congress party, spearheaded the assault, alleging that the electoral bonds data lays bare the corrupt tactics employed by the BJP. He pointed fingers at what he described as quid pro quo arrangements, seeking donations in exchange for protection, kickbacks, and money laundering schemes orchestrated through shell companies.

"The BJP's Hafta Vasooli strategy is simple: raid a target through the ED/CBI/IT, and then seek 'hafta' ('donations') for the company's protection. At least 14 of the top 30 donors have been raided," Ramesh declared, painting a vivid picture of alleged corruption and misuse of power.

The unveiling of the electoral bonds data has sparked intense scrutiny and raised serious questions about the transparency and integrity of political funding in India. From industrial giants like steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal to corporate entities like Anil Agarwal's Vedanta and telecommunications magnate Sunil Bharti Mittal's Airtel, the list of prominent buyers of electoral bonds has caught the attention of the public and opposition alike.

However, the controversy doesn't end with the revelations. Ramesh highlighted a major concern regarding missing data. He pointed out that the data provided by the State Bank of India (SBI) only covers the period from April 2019, despite the sale of electoral bonds starting as early as March 2018.

"A total of Rs. 2,500 crores in bonds are missing from this data. Where is the data of these missing bonds, from March 2018 to April 2019?" Ramesh questioned, raising suspicions about the undisclosed transactions during that period.

The political battlefield has intensified as parties trade accusations and demand accountability. The Congress continues to press for unique bond ID numbers to precisely match donors with recipients, aiming to shed light on alleged irregularities and improprieties in political funding.

As the electoral bonds saga unfolds, it has become a symbol of the broader debate surrounding transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in India's political landscape. The revelations from the electoral bonds data have sent shockwaves through the corridors of power, setting the stage for a contentious and dramatic confrontation between political rivals.