Mayawati, the President of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has fiercely criticized opposition parties concerning their use of electoral bonds for campaign financing. Mayawati pointed out except for BSP, other political entities have faced scrutiny over their election donations. She underscored the Supreme Court's decision on the controversial electoral bonds as vital for safeguarding the constitution and democracy after revealing instances of corruption in defense deals. Mayawati emphasized that while BSP stayed clear from the undue influence of wealthy conglomerates, other parties have been engrossed in self-serving interests.
On social media platform X, Mayawati expressed that the Supreme Court's latest judgment is significant, but continuous efforts are essential to protect the constitution and democracy from the corrupt influence of secretly funded electoral bonds. 'Away from the clutches of enormous wealth from affluent capitalists and elites,' says the BSP supremo, the party has spearheaded historic initiatives aimed at public welfare and eradication of poverty during its four-term governance in Uttar Pradesh, whereas other political parties remained mostly self-centered.
In view of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Mayawati asserted the importance of prioritizing issues relating to national and public interest over the interests of wealth-powered politics, which otherwise would continue to widen the gap between rich and poor.
It's noteworthy that the Supreme Court recently reprimanded the State Bank of India (SBI) during a hearing on electoral bonds, instructing SBI to disclose unique numbers that could reveal the identity of donors and recipients. The apex court admonished SBI for not providing complete information as instructed and requested an affidavit to confirm full disclosure to the Election Commission, asserting that nothing has been concealed.
During the hearing, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud pressed SBI's counsel Harish Salve, stating that a comprehensive account had been requested, yet SBI had selectively complied. Salve assured the court that SBI was ready to provide all required information.
