In a wide-ranging interview with ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the electoral bonds scheme introduced by his government, claiming it was meant to fight the use of ‘black money’ in election campaigns. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision to scrap the scheme in February, the PM asserted that “everyone will regret when there is honest reflection” on the matter.
Addressing the opposition’s criticism that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the largest beneficiary of the electoral bonds scheme, PM Modi said, “The work of donating to the opposition… will BJP do this? 63 percent went to them… and you are making allegations against us?” He emphasized that the scheme provided a trail of which companies gave donations and how much, facilitating transparency.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the electoral bonds scheme was not an “absolute way” to curb ‘black money’ in elections but argued that it was a step in the right direction. “We were looking for a way. We found a small way… never claimed this was absolute,” he said.
PM Modi also defended his government against allegations of using central investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to target political rivals before elections. He pointed out that only three percent of cases filed by the ED were against political leaders, adding that corrupt individuals would have a “fear of sin,” while honest persons had nothing to fear.
Turning his attention to the opposition’s INDIA bloc, the Prime Minister lashed out at the Congress party’s manifesto, claiming it would “destroy the aspiration of the first-time voter” and be a “biggest loss” for people under 25 years of age. He accused the manifesto of failing the economy and urged voters to reject it.
On the topic of potential investment by Tesla’s Elon Musk in India, PM Modi welcomed such initiatives but emphasized the need for localization, stating, “the product should have the essence of our soil.”
Throughout the interview, the Prime Minister maintained a resolute stance, defending his government’s actions and accusing the opposition of spreading “lies” about various initiatives, including the electoral bonds scheme.