Bhupesh Baghel Calls Electoral Bond Scheme “Biggest Scam of the Year”, BJP Rejects Allegations

GG News Bureau
Raipur, 18th March. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel slammed the electoral bond scheme, dubbing it the “biggest scam of the year.” Baghel’s remarks came just a day after the Election Commission announced the dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing reporters, Baghel expressed strong criticism towards the now-discarded electoral bond scheme, alleging that the BJP, sensing a potential defeat in the elections, was resorting to underhanded tactics against the Opposition.

In contrast, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, SP Singh Baghel, defended the scheme, dismissing allegations leveled by the Opposition as baseless. He refuted claims that the BJP had received funding worth ₹20,000 crore under the scheme, emphasizing that other parties, including regional ones like TMC, had also benefited significantly.

Moreover, SP Singh Baghel argued that electoral bonds ensure transparency, as parties are required to disclose transaction details and can encash bonds for meeting expenses. He accused the Congress of attempting to discredit the scheme, alleging that similar practices were prevalent during their tenure.

The Election Commission released fresh data on electoral bonds, previously submitted to the Supreme Court, in response to a directive to make it public. This information, covering transactions up to April 12, 2019, revealed significant amounts received by various parties.

Notably, the DMK received ₹656.5 crore, including a substantial sum from Santiago Martin’s Future Gaming. The BJP topped the list with encashments totaling ₹6,986.5 crore, while the Congress received ₹1,334.35 crore through electoral bonds.