Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with ANI, shared his perspective on the decision to scrap the electoral bonds scheme, labelling it as one that “everyone will regret when there is honest reflection.” He stressed that the scheme was aimed at combating the use of black money in elections and underlined his government’s commitment to enhancing transparency in political donations. PM Modi criticized the opposition for disseminating misinformation about the scheme and reiterated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not unfairly benefit from it.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by black money in elections, PM Modi emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in political funding. While acknowledging that the electoral bonds scheme was not flawless, he asserted that it represented a significant step towards achieving these objectives. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling against the scheme, PM Modi defended its effectiveness, citing data on donations made through electoral bonds and emphasizing its role in providing a traceable trail of funds.
Addressing allegations of favouritism towards the ruling party, PM Modi refuted any bias in electoral processes and highlighted improvements in the functioning of the Election Commission. He also tackled concerns about the misuse of central agencies for political ends, asserting that only a small percentage of cases involved political leaders.
PM Modi also criticized the Congress party’s manifesto for the upcoming elections, arguing that it overlooked the economic interests of the country and would negatively impact the aspirations of young voters. He urged investment initiatives, such as Tesla’s potential involvement in India, to align with the nation’s values and promote localization.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore his commitment to promoting transparency and integrity in electoral processes, while also defending his government’s policies against opposition criticism.