Now that the truth about the electoral bonds is in the open, it remains to be seen how people will respond, especially when they become aware that the Bharatiya Janata Party is the primary recipient of this money. The fact that this wealth comes from corporate sources demonstrates that democracy has always been influenced by monetary means.
This EB truth is a harsh reality check for democracy, and our leaders no longer have the ethical or moral authority to boast and claim that our democracy is the most dynamic in the world. From now on, it is time for political parties to introspect. But will they?
The BJP introduced electoral bonds in 2017, which permitted people and businesses to make anonymous and unrestricted donations to political parties. A Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, had ruled that these corporate contributions granted the contributor a position of influence in government decision-making.
The BJP accounted for approximately 55 percent of the overall donations which were utilised during the 2019 election. It is a matter of concern that anonymous donations have led to the "commercialisation" of parliamentary democracy in India. This demonstrates the party was never committed to eradicate corruption.
It is a matter of concern that anonymous donations have led to the "commercialisation" of parliamentary democracy in India. This demonstrates the party was never committed to eradicate corruption.
Delivering a lecture in Goa recently, Dr Jagdeep Chhoker, a founding member of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and one of the main petitioners in the Supreme Court case concerning electoral bonds, revealed that he had received information indicating that only 5-7 percent of the funds utilised by political parties for elections are actually disclosed.
Chokker also busted the myth that people elect their government. This is not true, he stated and added that the choice of candidates made by the political parties limit the options available to citizens. He concluded that the government is elected by the political parties, who select their candidates for the people and maintain control over them.
It is now evident that we have sinned against our great democratic institution, and that sin has even touched the Goan shores in the form of corporate donations from two prominent mining companies who figure in the EB list.
Two prominent mining companies from Goa also figure in the electoral bonds list.
Everyone lies as per their convenience, but politicians lie the most and these lies were conveniently hidden, but not for long.
Politicians have to realise their lies and deceitful behaviour come with a price to the general well-being of their constituents. It is now time to ask the most important question: where did all this bond money go?
Politicians often engage in lies because they are motivated to stay in power rather than prioritise the well-being of the people they represent.
Their main objective is to use words that resonate with their supporters, without any real incentive to be truthful. They will go on to even manipulate data in order to bolster their own viewpoints.
Politicians often engage in lies because they are motivated to stay in power rather than prioritise the well-being of the people they represent.
It is now crucial for individuals to go beyond blind allegiance to political parties and reflect on the systemic failure that is contributing to the challenges we face every day as citizens.
If we fail to take political stock, there will be no potential solutions to the morass that the politicians have created for us.
Goa is currently facing numerous urgent problems that require resolutions, yet no solutions seem to be forthcoming. Soon, elections 2024 will be announced, and politicians will approach you, displaying humility. This presents an opportunity for you to seek answers from them on electoral funding via bonds and many other lies. But do you have the courage?
The better question for you to ask your politicians will be: "How do you live with yourself surrounded by lies and deception?" People too should look within their conscientious self while casting their vote for someone who they know has always been lying to them.
