The Quint’s Electoral Bond Exposé Shows BJP’s ‘Snooping’ DNA: Cong

“Electoral bonds are an official channel for BJP to convert their black money into white,” said Randeep Surjewala.

The Quint’s investigation reveals that electoral bonds have hidden numbers printed on them.

(Photo: The Quint/Shruti Mathur)

An investigation by The Quint has revealed that electoral bonds carry unique hidden alphanumeric characters which can help the link between donors and political parties, contradicting the government’s assurance that such donations will remain anonymous.

The Congress’ communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said that The Quint’s investigation exposes the BJP’s “DNA of snooping”.

The Congress has objected to the claims of anonymity in the electoral bonds, made by the BJP. A lion’s share of these donations have gone to the BJP, which makes it clear that bonds are an official channel for them to convert their black money into white. The revelation also proves that surveillance has been a part of their (BJP’s) DNA.

Randeep Surjewala

Professor Rajeev Gowda, an MP and head of Congress’ research wing, further added that due to the banking system coming under the control of the finance ministry, details of the donors will be easily available for the ruling party.

Professor Rajeev Gowda, an MP and head of Congress’ research wing, further added that due to the banking system coming under the control of the finance ministry, details of the donors will be easily available for the ruling party.

Gowda also said that through hidden numbers the ruling party can easily track and harass the donor of the opposition party.

It was not so long ago that the investors of a media house that criticised the central government, received threat calls from the government. So, if the details of the donors are available to the government, it is only a matter of time before they get calls from the offices of power.

Professor Rajeev Gowda, MP and Head of Congress’ Research Wing

Political scientist Sandeep Shastri pointed out that although the electoral bonds are yet to become the main source of funding for the parties in the state, the revelation of the bonds being secretly numbered, could prevent them from becoming popular.

Earlier, only party treasurers knew from where and how much money came to the party. The bonds were introduced to bring more accountability, but these bonds being tracked goes against the purpose.

Sandeep Shastri

The Quint is still waiting for the Ministry of Finance and the SBI to respond to the purpose of the unique hidden alphanumeric serial numbers on the electoral bonds.