In comparison, Congress registered a modest increase from Rs 38 crore to Rs 133 crore in the same period, party treasurer Ajay Maken tells Rajya Sabha.
Ensuring free and fair elections, democratic governance, and limiting quid pro quo demands political funding regulations that go beyond the age-old methods.
CJI-led bench disagrees with Centre’s argument that it is justified to infringe Right to Information of voters for larger purpose of curbing black money in electoral financing.
Bonds worth more than Rs 1,500 cr were sold in 2021. Figure was over Rs 5,000 cr in 2019, when general elections were held. No party-wise figures collated, says finance ministry.
The scheme has been challenged on the ground that it legalises anonymous funding of political parties. But Centre says it’s meant to eradicate black money.
An ADR report says parties didn't provide PAN details of donors for Rs 438.96 crore over the past 5 years, in violation of a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court has refused to put a stay on electoral bonds and asked the political parties to submit details of funds received through bonds to EC by 30 May.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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