Supreme Court Orders Disclosure of Electoral Bond Details
In a recent development, the Supreme Court has directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to reveal the unique alpha-numeric identifiers of electoral bonds received by political parties. This directive, issued during ongoing proceedings, signifies a crucial step in transparency within electoral financing. For more details, click here.
IG CRPF Archana Shivhare announced the deployment of 75 companies of paramilitary forces across various states, including 35 CRPF, 25 BSF, and 5 CISF companies. Designated as the state force coordinator by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), IG-CRPF ensures the effective deployment of these units in collaboration with state police, aiming for the smooth conduct of elections. Additional deployments target areas prone to naxal activities, with CRPF establishing new camps to intensify anti-naxal operations before polling.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of subverting the country’s institutional framework, labelling it as the most significant anti-national activity. He alleges the misuse of investigative agencies and electoral bonds for extortion and favouritism, highlighting a systemic issue affecting governance.
During a rally in Thane, Rahul Gandhi condemned electoral bonds as the largest extortion racket globally, signalling opposition against the current financing system in elections.
AAP Nominee Seeks Divine Blessings for Election Campaign
AAP’s candidate from Amritsar, Punjab, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, sought blessings at the Golden Temple before embarking on his election campaign. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve Amritsar, Dhaliwal aims to secure victory in the upcoming polls.
After tendering his resignation, former Congress leader Abdul Khaleque refrains from elaborating on specific grievances but hints at issues concerning the party leadership. His resignation coincides with public accusations against the PCC president and AICC general secretary, indicating internal turmoil within the party.
Opposition parties allege corrupt practices by the BJP regarding electoral bonds, demanding a special investigation into the matter. Criticisms include accusations of quid pro quo, soliciting donations for political favors, and money laundering through shell companies, following the release of electoral bond details by the Election Commission.
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah urges the Election Commission to facilitate democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir by announcing parliamentary and assembly election dates. Emphasizing the need for electoral reforms, Abdullah advocates for the restoration of full democratic rights in the region.
Trinamool Congress files a complaint with the Election Commission against the BJP-led Centre’s advertisements in West Bengal newspapers, citing misuse of public funds. The advertisements, boasting about funding allocations to the state government, raise concerns over impartiality and fairness in election campaigning.
Aam Aadmi Party withdraws its candidate from Assam’s Guwahati Lok Sabha seat and urges the Congress to reciprocate by withdrawing candidates from Sonitpur and Dibrugarh. This strategic move aims to consolidate opposition votes for a stronger electoral impact.
In another political development, senior Congress leader Raj Kumar Chabbewal from Punjab resigns from the party and joins the Aam Aadmi Party, marking a series of defections ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
