PM's 'Zabardasti Chanda Jama Karunga' Contradicts Promise of Integrity 'Na Khaunga, Na Khane Dunga'- Venugopal to FM

New Delhi- In a scathing letter addressed to the Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, KC Venugopal, Member of Parliament and General Secretary (Organisation) of the All India Congress Committee, has raised serious concerns regarding alleged quid-pro-quo dealings between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various corporate entities.

The letter, prompted by recent investigative reports published by Newslaundry and The News Minute, outlines a disturbing pattern of corporate donations coinciding with actions taken by central investigative agencies.

The letter begins by citing the investigative report, which highlights instances where companies facing scrutiny from agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department (IT), and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) subsequently made significant contributions to the BJP. Venugopal emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in light of these allegations, which, if proven true, could undermine the integrity of India's democratic process.

Key findings from the investigative report include:

• Financial Transactions: Approximately 30 companies, collectively donating nearly Rs 335 crore, are alleged to have contributed to the BJP between financial years 2018-19 and 2022-23, coinciding with actions taken by central agencies against them.

• Unprecedented Donations: Of these companies, 23 had reportedly never donated to the BJP between 2014 and the year of the raid, yet contributed Rs 187.58 crore during the specified period.

• Timely Contributions: Four companies allegedly donated Rs 9.05 crore within four months of facing action from investigative agencies.

• Increased Donations: Some companies, already donors to the BJP, notably increased their contributions following agency interventions.

• Consequences of Non-Donation: Six firms faced central action after skipping donations in a particular financial year.

• Undue Favors: Additionally, three BJP donors not among the 30 mentioned in the report were accused of receiving undue benefits from the government.

Furthermore, the letter admonishes the apparent contradiction between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's public declarations of integrity, notably his slogan "Na Khaunga, Na Khane Dunga" (I will not engage in corruption, nor allow others to do so), and the alleged actions of his government.

Venugopal asserts that the government's conduct appears to contradict this pledge, instead adopting a practice he terms as "Zabardasti Chanda Jama Karunga" (I will forcibly collect donations).

He points to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India, which struck down the Modi government's Electoral Bonds scheme, deeming it "Unconstitutional" and "Illegal."

Venugopal's letter raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the independence of investigative agencies, particularly those under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry.

He calls for a transparent investigation into the alleged quid-pro-quo dealings, stressing the importance of upholding democratic principles and accountability in governance.

The letter concludes with three crucial questions posed to the Finance Minister:

1. Call for Transparency: Will the government release a white paper detailing BJP's finances, including the circumstances surrounding corporate donations allegedly coerced through agency actions?

2. Demand for Rebuttal: Can the government provide a detailed rebuttal to the timeline of events outlined in the report, explaining the correlation between agency actions and subsequent donations?

3. Call for Investigation: If the government has nothing to hide, will it consent to a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into these alleged transactions, aiming to ensure accountability and uphold democratic principles?

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