Thane, 16-03-2024: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, intensified his criticism of the BJP-led central government, denouncing the electoral bonds scheme as nothing short of an extortion racket employed to destabilize governments and fracture political entities. Speaking to the public at Jambhali Naka in Maharashtra’s Thane during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra before proceeding to Mumbai, Gandhi labeled the electoral bonds scheme as an international-level extortion racket. He alleged that those who raise objections to this scheme face repercussions from government agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department.
According to Gandhi, the electoral bonds scheme serves as a tool for toppling opposition-led governments and disintegrating political parties. He pointed out the instances of MLAs from parties like Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra switching sides, suggesting that such moves were facilitated through this scheme. Gandhi questioned the circumstances under which these political shifts occurred, implying that financial incentives were involved.
Moreover, Gandhi highlighted the lack of adequate representation for marginalized communities, including backward classes, Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged, in positions of power within both government and private sectors. He emphasized that despite constituting over 80% of the population, these groups are often marginalized in decision-making processes.
Gandhi also made assertions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that around 50 lakh people lost their lives to the virus in India. He criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, alleging that while the nation grappled with the pandemic, pharmaceutical giant Serum Institute of India donated funds to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through electoral bonds.
Furthermore, Gandhi criticized the recent Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony, alleging that only celebrities and top industrialists were present as guests, with a notable absence of poor individuals. He claimed that even the President of India, who is from an Adivasi background, was not allowed to attend the event. Gandhi was accompanied by political leaders like NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad and Shiv Sena leader Kedar Dighe during his yatra in Thane, with Samajwadi Party MLA Raees Sheikh welcoming him in Bhiwandi.