Several companies purchased electoral bonds after raids: AAP

NEW DELHI: A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) made electoral bond data public, the AAP on Friday alleged that several companies bought these bonds after they were raided by investigating agencies.

Addressing a press conference, cabinet minister and senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said that based on ECI data, an upcoming gaming company purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 1,368 crore. “What is noteworthy is that this happened after the ED raided them on April 2, 2022 and the company bought the electoral bonds five days later on April 7, 2022,” Bhardwaj said.

“Following this, the CEO of Aurobindo Pharma, the main accused in the so-called excise policy scam, was arrested on November 10, 2022 and on November 15, 2022, the company bought the electoral bonds. Shirdi Sai Electricals was also raided for Income Tax on December 20, 2023, it also bought the electoral bonds within 20 days on January 11, 2024. Torrent Power also bought the electoral bond on January 10, 2024, and they were awarded 306 Megawatts. Solar project in Maharashtra. It may be a coincidence, but it is surprising,” he added.

The minister said only the BJP was in favor of bonds. “Everyone opposed the electoral bonds, including the RBI and the Ministry of Law and Justice and despite the opposition, the electoral bond was implemented,” he alleged.

Bharadwaj said the BJP should also be held responsible for accepting money from companies that were being investigated for money laundering.

“Will the parties that accepted money from companies that were investigated for money laundering also be considered charged and investigated in the matter?” he asked. According to the data, the BJP received the highest contributions of Rs 6,566 crore or 54.77%.