Congress Claims Bank Account Frozen Following Supreme Court’s Rejection of Electoral Bonds Scheme
Party leaders have accused the government of resorting to authoritarian tactics to stifle opposition voices and undermine the democratic process.
In a startling revelation, the Congress party has accused authorities of freezing its bank account in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to reject the controversial Electoral Bonds Scheme. The timing of this alleged action raises questions about potential retaliation and infringement of democratic rights.
The Electoral Bonds Scheme, introduced by the government in 2018, allowed for anonymous donations to political parties, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in political funding. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling declaring the scheme unconstitutional was seen as a significant step towards restoring transparency in electoral financing.
However, the Congress party’s claim of a frozen bank account adds a new dimension to the debate surrounding political funding and freedom of expression. The timing of this alleged action, coming shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision and right before parliamentary elections, raises suspicions of political vendetta and suppression of dissent.
“The government must address these allegations transparently and uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” asserted Congress leader Ajay Maken. He stated, “We received information yesterday that banks are refusing to honor the cheques we are issuing. Upon further investigation, we discovered that the bank accounts of the Youth Congress have been frozen. Additionally, the accounts of the Congress party have also been seized. Income tax authorities have demanded a recovery of ₹210 crore from the Youth Congress and the Congress party. The funds raised through crowdfunding in our accounts have been frozen. Just two weeks before the elections, when the opposition’s accounts are frozen, it is tantamount to stifling democracy.”
Maken emphasized the severe impact of the frozen accounts, saying, “At present, we don’t have any funds to spend. We are unable to pay electricity bills or salaries to our employees. This freeze will affect not only the Nyay Yatra but all our political activities.” The Congress leader’s statements highlight the dire consequences of the alleged bank account freezes on the party’s functioning and its ability to engage in electoral activities.
The Congress party, in its statement, has vehemently condemned the freezing of its bank account, labeling it as a blatant attack on democratic principles. Party leaders have accused the government of resorting to authoritarian tactics to stifle opposition voices and undermine the democratic process.
The freezing of the Congress party’s bank account not only raises concerns about the misuse of state power but also underscores the need for robust safeguards to protect democratic institutions and processes.
The use of state machinery to target political opponents undermines the credibility of the democratic process and erodes public trust in democratic institutions. The Congress party’s allegation of a frozen bank account following the Supreme Court’s rejection of the Electoral Bonds Scheme is a cause for serious concern. The government must address these allegations transparently and uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
BY KASHISH JAIN
