In a scathing critique, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Party (MPCC) has lambasted the State Bank of India (SBI) for its alleged failure to disclose details of Electoral Bonds purchased, labeling it as a move to mask BJP’s financial improprieties and the source of black money. Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhawan, senior spokesperson Ningombam Bhupenda Meitei denounced the SBI’s purported inability to adhere to the Supreme Court’s directives. He highlighted the recent judgement by a constitution bench of the Supreme Court, which deemed the Electoral Bonds Scheme introduced by the BJP government in 2017 as unconstitutional.
Meiteihighlighted the court’s directive for SBI to furnish details of Electoral Bonds purchased and contributions received by political parties to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by March 6. However, he expressed dismay over SBI’s request for an extension until June 30, 2024, citing concerns raised by the Association for Democratic Reforms in a contempt petition filed against SBI for non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders.
The MPCC spokesperson raised suspicions about the ruling BJP’s discomfort following the Supreme Court’s decision, pointing out that the party has been the primary beneficiary of the Electoral Bond Scheme, receiving over Rs 6,566 crores, constituting 56% of the total Electoral Bonds distributed since 2017. Meitei alleged that the Modi government is pressurizing SBI to withhold information to shield its ties with corporate entities, suggesting that the delay in disclosure serves to conceal financial irregularities and the true origins of black money.