Cut Money! Shah Slams Gandhi Over 'Hafta Vasooli' Jibe on Electoral Bonds, Accuses Oppn of Nostalgia for Corrupt Practices

New Delhi- The Union Home minister Amit Shah, attacked Rahul Gandhi for his 'biggest extortion racket' jibe on electoral bonds." If you're going to the polls, you should have a 'hafta vasooli' from Rahul Gandhi"- Shah said.

The home minister said the Congress received Rs 1,600 crore in electoral bonds. He slammed Gandhi for calling it 'hafta vasooli' and demanded that he explain where he got the money from.

Shah acknowledged the Supreme Court's verdict on electoral bonds but vehemently defended their role in curbing black money in politics.

Amit Shah was speaking at a summit hosted by a media house when he questioned Rahul Gandhi's 'hafta vasooli' jibe.

According to data released by the EC, the BJP has received 47.5% of the total amount of electoral bonds redeemed value, followed by the Trinamool Congress with 12.6% and Congress with 11.1%. To be precise, the future Gaming of the lottery king Santiago Martin was the biggest purchaser of electoral bonds worth Rs 1,368 crore.

In a sharp retort to Gandhi's allegations, Shah demanded transparency, particularly regarding the substantial funds received by the Congress leader. Referring to the donations as "transparent contributions," Shah challenged Gandhi to provide specifics if he deemed them as "hafta vasooli" (extortion).

When pressed on whether the BJP would disclose its donors, Shah suggested that the opposition would be unable to withstand similar scrutiny. Recent disclosures by political parties revealed significant contributions through electoral bonds, with the BJP leading the pack. However, Shah was quick to point out that the "Indi Alliance," led by Gandhi, had also amassed substantial funds, questioning their legitimacy given the alliance's lesser electoral representation.

The discussion also shed light on notable bond purchasers, including Future Gaming's Santiago Martin, who heavily supported the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the Janata Dal (Secular) received considerable support, notably from Megha Engineering, raising questions about the influence of such donors on political dynamics.

Shah's remarks underscored the contentious nature of electoral funding, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's recent ruling against the bonds. Despite respecting the court's decision, Shah emphasized the role of electoral bonds in combating black money, positioning them as a crucial tool for transparency in political financing.

In a final swipe at the opposition, Shah accused them of harboring nostalgia for the old system of "cut money," insinuating a desire to revert to corrupt practices in political finance.