Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah questions PM Modi on ‘electoral bond scam’

Read: Congress demands SC-monitored probe into funds BJP received through electoral bonds

BJP govt ‘blackmailing’ businessmen?

“For a decade, you held power, promising to bring back black money from Swiss Bank, eliminate black money via demonetisation, claiming ‘Na Khaunga, Na Khane Dunga’, and being the so-called ‘Chowkidar of the Nation’. Now, it is time for you to address the issues surrounding the electoral bond scam,” he said.

“Despite the Supreme Court’s order, why is the State Bank of India (SBI) hesitant to provide complete information? If the sale and purchase of electoral bonds were conducted legally, why is SBI concealing information? Who is exerting pressure on SBI,” he asked, demanding Modi’s response.

PM Modi on Saturday formally launched the party’s Lok Sabha election campaign in the state in Kalaburagi, the home turf of Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge.

Claiming that the information released by the Election Commission–which the media is scrutinising– it appears that the BJP government at the centre is “blackmailing” businessmen, Siddaramaiah said.

“When we look at the dates of IT, ED, and CBI raids on these businessmen and the dates they purchased electoral bonds, it seems like a clear case of blackmail,” he said.

“Is the union government misusing its investigative agencies to extort donations? Is the electoral bond a political weapon of mass extortion in the hands of the BJP? Prime Minister Narendra Modi, please respond,” he said.

Based on emerging information, it seems that a significant number of participants in the electoral bond scam are from infrastructure and pharmaceutical firms, he said.

“How reliable are the roads, bridges, and buildings constructed by such fraudulent organisations? How safe are the medicines produced by these corrupt entities, BJP? Shouldn’t you, Prime Minister Modi, be the one to answer these questions,” Siddaramaiah questioned.

The chief minister said that the Supreme Court, by thoroughly exposing the electoral bond scam, has raised suspicions among every citizen about the misuse of their tax money, and people strongly believe that the union government is fully involved in this fraud.

Also Read: PM sounds BJP poll bugle in AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s hometurf

‘LS polls more than just a political contest’

Speaking about the Lok Sabha elections, Siddaramaiah said that with the Election Commission unveiling the schedule, the stage is set for a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey.

He said the Congress party recognises that this election is more than just a political contest; it’s a pivotal moment for our democracy and for every Indian who seeks a future defined by prosperity, justice, and inclusivity.

“Today, our country faces significant challenges – the pain of price rises, the shadow of unemployment, and the distress of our farmers weigh heavily on the heart of our nation. These are not just issues; they are the lived realities of millions, creating a sense of frustration and a longing for change,” he said in a post on social media platform X.

“We approach these elections with a spirit of optimism and a commitment to the values that have long defined our party: guaranteed inclusivity, progress, and social justice,” he added.

“Our campaign is grounded in a vision for a guaranteed future where every citizen has the guarantee of opportunity to thrive, supported by policies that ensure equitable growth, environmental sustainability, and empowerment for all,” the Karnataka chief minister said.

He urged the public to cast their vote for Congress as it would mean supporting hope, change and progress.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that an election is a celebration of democracy and that they were confident of winning this election as far as Karnataka was concerned.

“It is a celebration of democracy. We have to celebrate. We have to enjoy. We have to fight….All this is part of democracy. We are confident that we are going to win this election as far as Karnataka is concerned,” he added.

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