New Delhi: The Congress has promised to scrap the “opaque” electoral bonds scheme, designed to favour the BJP, if voted to power.
In its manifesto, released by party president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday, the Congress also promised to amend the anti-defection law to provide for instant disqualification of a member of Parliament or a state legislature for disobeying the party’s whip, or withdrawing allegiance to the party, or supporting another party.
It also expressed concern about the use of black money in election campaigns, and has vowed to curb it.
“The greatest challenge to free and fair elections is the Election Commission’s inability to prevent the use of black money in election campaigns and the use of inducements to influence voters. We will take steps to curb and eliminate this menace,” the manifesto stated.
Also read: Electoral bonds worth Rs 1,716 cr issued this year — it’s Rs 660 cr more than all of 2018
Electoral reforms promised
In place of the electoral bond scheme, the Congress proposes to set up a National Election Fund, to which any person can make a contribution.
“Funds will be allocated at the time of elections to recognised political parties in accordance with criteria laid down by law,” the party stated.
On the contentious issue of electronic voting machines, the party said it will ensure that EVMs and VVPATs are tamper-proof. “During counting, the count in at least 50 per cent of the EVMs will be matched against the physical count of the voting slips in the corresponding VVPATs,” it promised.
“We will allocate substantially more free airtime on All India Radio and Doordarshan at the time of elections to recognised political parties in accordance with criteria laid down by law,” it said.
Under the Congress’ proposed amendments to the anti-defection law, a disqualified member will not be eligible to hold any public office (including that of minister) or be a candidate in an election to Parliament or the state legislatures for a period of two years from the date of disqualification.
“We will introduce the requirement of public consultation before a bill is introduced in Parliament. All government schemes and programmes shall be subjected to social audit. Congress promises to enact a Social Accountability Act,” the manifesto stated.
Also read: Electoral bonds to be sold during Lok Sabha polls, says govt after press release muddle
The controversy over electoral bonds
Electoral bonds are like promissory notes, which are available for purchase from the State Bank of India within a designated window in every quarter of the financial year. The SBI is the only bank authorised to issue such bonds.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a petition filed by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) seeking a stay on the electoral bond scheme, which was notified by the central government in January last year.
While the government has maintained that the scheme would ensure transparency in political funding, the Election Commission (EC) had told the Supreme Court last week that the scheme would have a “serious impact” on funding.
The scheme has also drawn flak from several political parties, including the Congress, which have argued that it would lead to opacity in the election funding process.
According to the BJP’s audit and Income Tax reports submitted to the EC last year, the party was the biggest beneficiary of the scheme — bagging 95 per cent of the bonds released till 31 March 2018. The subsequent income tax reports are yet to be received.
The apex court itself may be pleased to strike down this opaque scheme.