281 POSTS
Kumar Anshuman worked as Associate Editor for ThePrint. He is a physics graduate from Magadh University, Bodh Gaya and has a diploma in Multimedia Studies from the Asian Centre for Journalism from the Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. He has an interest in India’s Modern Political History post-Independence. Hailing from Bihar he is also keenly interested in Socialist Politics and has written a book on the Samajwadi Party and the Yadav Family of Saifai. He writes about the Indian National Congress, regional parties and social issues that impact society. Follow him on Twitter @anshumanscribe
So basically –
No cap on corporate donation to political parties. No transparency. Global funding for political parties. And intimidation and harassment of those who donate to the opposition.
Electoral Bonds – Mr. Jaitley’s brahmastra.
1. Removes all caps on corporate donations to political parties. Even loss making corporates can donate now, as a clear quid pro quo.
2. Removes all transparency of who gives which party how much. No more information on who is Adani donating to.
3. The Sarkaar will know who donates to the opposition. Intimidation much?
4. Bonds can be traded like cash, without any tracking, in exchange of cash for a limited period. Matlab 20 crore ke bond khareede koi, kisi aur ko cash (all black) me bech de, aur koi aur use donate kar de. Full anonymity guaranteed.
5. FCRA amendment already allows foreign companies to fund political parties.
The Great Indian Democracy Sale?
Will the judiciary stand up to this as well? Or will the state illogically use the Right to Privacy judgment to defend this?