All Major Parties Utilise Electoral Bonds, Calls for Refined Funding System: FM

New Delhi, Mar 27 - Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, addressing the Times Now Summit, highlighted the widespread use of electoral bonds by political parties, asserting that all major parties have utilized them within the legal framework. She emphasized the need for a more robust system for electoral funding, following the Supreme Court's critique of the current mechanism. Sitharaman defended the legality of electoral bonds, stating they were purchased in compliance with the law at that time, a law which had been passed by Parliament.

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The Finance Minister also addressed the Supreme Court's recent judgment, which deemed the electoral bonds scheme as infringing upon the right to information and freedom of speech and expression. She underscored the necessity for a better electoral funding system than both the current and previous methods. Despite criticisms and allegations of a scam, Sitharaman pointed out that even the parties accusing others had participated in the electoral bonds system.

Further discussing law enforcement actions, Sitharaman refuted claims of political bias in Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids. She clarified that companies donating to all political parties, including the BJP through electoral bonds, have been subject to ED investigations, demonstrating impartiality in law enforcement.

On political inclusivity, Sitharaman remarked on the BJP's open-door policy towards politicians from various backgrounds, emphasizing the party's commitment to its value system and leadership principles. She also responded to controversies surrounding comments made by Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate against BJP Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut, calling for an unconditional apology from Shrinate.

The Finance Minister refused to label the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as politically motivated, citing non-compliance with ED summons. She criticized governance in Delhi and Punjab, both AAP-ruled states, suggesting a decline in administrative performance.

Vineet Jain, Times Group Managing Director, welcomed Sitharaman with remarks on India's growing influence on global stages, including politics, economics, and diplomacy. He lauded India's democratic vibrancy and its role in shaping regional and global affairs through strategic partnerships.

In conclusion, Sitharaman's comments at the Times Now Summit shed light on various contentious issues surrounding electoral bonds, law enforcement actions, and political dynamics. Her defense of electoral bonds' legality and calls for an improved funding mechanism reflect ongoing debates in Indian politics and governance.